KAWARTHA LAKES-Sometimes weight loss is a bit of a puzzle. You can eat all the kale and do all the cardio you want, but if that scale is not budging, it’s time to take a look at some of the other factors that can lead to unexplained weight gain. If you have been struggling to tip the scales for a while now, try looking into these lifestyle factors and see if any of them apply to your own life.
- Stress puts a huge drain on your body and it’s resources. When you’re producing the stress hormone, Cortisol, it can be extremely difficult to lose weight, and you often develop stubborn fat around the middle of your body. Serotonin wipes out cortisol and is produced when the nervous system’s physical relaxation response is engaged. A good workout, time spent in good company, and a stimulating workout are all great places to start.
2. LACK OF SLEEP. When you’re not getting enough sleep, your hunger signals are thrown off and you might start to crave high-fat or high-sugar foods, which will lead to weight gain. Aim for a minimum of eight hours per night, and your cravings and weight will naturally come into balance.
3. OVER-PACKED SCHEDULE. When you over-schedule yourself, you don’t have time to fully feel into each experience – you merely skim the surface. In today’s society, we tend to wear our stress as a badge of honor. When you are busy, it is deemed as successful and important. It’s time to shift the way we think about ‘busy’ and start putting ourselves in high priority. Choose your commitments wisely – whether it’s a business engagement or a friend’s birthday party – and show up as the best possible version of yourself-the stress free one!
4. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS. People trying to lose weight often disregard environmental toxins and pollution. However, external toxins can affect our hormones and cause us to gain weight. To protect yourself, get as much fresh air as possible and build up your immune system by eating organic food and minimizing toxic skin and hair products. Make sure you get outside at least once per day, read labels to educate yourself about what you are eating and putting on your skin, and aim to live with minimal exposure to toxins.
5. EXTERNAL FACTORS OUT OF YOUR CONTROL. A lot of people allow themselves to get stressed when they hit traffic or the weather is bad or someone drops out of a commitment. Fully acknowledge that these types of events are out of your hands and that your only priority is to breathe, accept, and show compassion toward yourself and others. By learning to let go of these little hang ups, we can learn to lighten up-and shed weight.
If you liked these tips, please check out www.sweathappywellness.comwhere I offer online coaching programs such as the Spring Detox Program-a 14 Day Whole Foods kickstart that teaches you how to make better food choices and cook with plant based foods to boost your immune system, lose weight, and feel your best.
Becky Sheehey is a Holistic Health Coach, and a Pilates and Movement Expert with a background in Kinesiology. She lives in Lindsay.
