Hello everyone! If you’re here, you’ve probably asked yourself that nagging question: “Why can’t I seem to lose weight?”. Well, I’ve been there. In fact, I still traverse that winding path now and again. You see, even as an informed health coach, I don’t always have all the answers. But today, I want to take you on a journey – a deep dive into the reasons why weight loss can be so elusive and how, together, we can find solutions. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Our Body: A Complex Puzzle
First off, let’s shed the simplistic notion that weight loss is just about “calories in versus calories out”. If only it were that straightforward! Our body is an astoundingly complex machine, equipped with its own defence, regulation, and adaptation mechanisms. It’s a finely tuned orchestra of hormonal, metabolic, emotional, and physiological processes working in tandem.
Hormonology and Weight Loss
Hormones play a pivotal role in weight management. Cortisol, for instance, is our stress hormone. In an ideal world, it would help us flee from a hungry lion. But in our modern-day reality, it’s often chronically elevated due to our stressful lifestyles. Elevated cortisol levels can coax our body into storing fat, especially around the midriff.
Then there’s insulin, the grand mediator of sugar in our bloodstream. A diet high in refined sugars can lead to insulin overproduction, promoting fat storage. And let’s not forget thyroid hormones, which regulate our metabolism. An imbalance here can slow down our calorie-burning prowess.
Deep-Rooted Habits and Their Impact
I adore a good square of dark chocolate after dinner. And to be honest, it took me a while to realise that even if it’s “healthy” chocolate, it’s still a habit I needed to monitor. Old habits, especially those tied to rewards or relaxation, are incredibly powerful. They can operate in the background without us realising, subtly influencing our food choices, activity levels, and even our mindset.
The Socio-Cultural Environment
The social pressure to eat, drink, and be merry is real. Family events, nights out with friends, birthday parties, celebrations… all moments when food is more than just fuel. It’s cultural, emotional, traditional. How can one say no to grandma’s pie or a Friday night pint with mates?
The Plateau Effect: Why Does It Happen?
We’ve all experienced this frustrating phenomenon. That point where, despite our best efforts, our weight just stands still. But why does it occur?
One reason is our body adapting. As we shed weight, our metabolism might slow down because it takes less energy to sustain a lighter body. Plus, if you’re on a very strict diet, your body might shift into “survival mode”, slowing down metabolism to conserve energy.
Strategic Solutions
Listen to Your Body
Instead of fighting it, let’s learn to listen to our body. Sometimes it needs more rest, sometimes more fuel. Intuitive eating – where we eat in response to hunger and satiety rather than dietary rules – can be a powerful tool.
Vary Physical Activities
If you’re constantly doing the same type of exercise, your body will get used to it. Mix things up! Try dancing, yoga, weightlifting, HIIT, trekking…
Seek Support
No one should embark on this journey alone. Whether it’s a support group, a coach, friends, or family – find your tribe.
Patience is Key
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your body transform overnight. Every small step is a victory in itself.
In Conclusion
I’d like you to remember one thing: every body is unique. Your journey will differ from your neighbour’s or your best mate’s. And that’s perfectly fine. Celebrate every win, learn from every challenge, and know that wherever you are in your journey, you are wonderful.
Till next time, dear readers, and always remember: life is a journey, not a destination. Every step counts!
