This is in continuation with our last post: A burning question Why can’t I lose weight no matter what I do?
14. What Medicines Do You pop In Your Mouth?
There are a few medications that may be the reason for your mind-boggling query: Why can’t I lose weight?
Â
The medicines that contribute to weight gain no matter how hard you work to lose weight are:
- Blood-pressure lowering medicines like beta-blockers.
- Insulin to keep your optimal sugar level.
- Few antidepressants.
- Bipolar disorder medication.
- Steroids.
- Anti-allergies.
- Birth control pills.
These medicines have side effects that include:
- Loss of appetite or feeling hungry all the time.
- Never-ending fatigue contributing to a sedentary lifestyle.
- Water retention.
Way Out
- Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to dispose of all your medications right away.Â
- Keep having your medications as they will improve your life’s quality.
- Discuss this matter with your doctor. He will either change your medication or adjust the dosage accordingly.
- You can also get a specifically designed a diet plan for yourself from a registered dietician.
15. How Is Your Health?Â
There are a few medical conditions that make it more difficult to shed extra pounds.
Â
If you are wondering why cannot I lose weight, then one of these health issues could be the answer:
- Cardiac problems
- Hormonal imbalance
- Eating disorders
- Sleep disorders like Sleep apnea
Way Out
- In the presence of these health conditions, see your doctor at once.
- Follow the doctor’s advice.
16. Are You A Sound Sleeper?
If you sleep well daily, then it is good for your weight loss journey. But, if you sleep lesser or do not have a smooth Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase in your sleep cycle then you are more prone to gain weight. Research has shown that those people who have interrupted the sleep cycle end up eating 300 more calories per day. This makes them sluggish, an excuse to not exercise.
Way Out
- Take a maximum of 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep daily. Not more, not less! As less than 5 hours and more than 8 hours of sleep play around, the hormones that are linked to appetite.
- Draw the curtains to get rid of any light.
- Use a white noise device to limit any disturbing sound.
- If you are an insomniac or have sleep apnea, then see a doctor.
17. You Are Eating Too Close To Bedtime
If you sleep around 10 pm and have dinner by 8.30 pm or 9 pm, then you would struggle to lose weight. AÂ habit of midnight snacking, then it contributes to a rise in your blood sugar, insulin, and body temperature. All of this makes it even more difficult to burn fat.
Way Out
- Have dinner 2.5 to 3 hours prior to your bedtime.
- Designate a proper dinner time and follow it religiously.
- Zip up your lips after that, even if you are awake for some chores.
18. How Many Glasses Of Water Do You Take In A Day?
Water is a zero-calorie drink. It washes away all the toxins from your body and satiates your thirst without any added pounds. As you drink more water, you do not feel the need to have other calorie-packed liquids like packaged juices, sodas, alcohol, or beer.
Way Out
- Have 2 to 6 glasses of plain water daily.
19. You Do Not Plan Your Meals
If you wake up and have no healthy groceries at home, then you will end up gobbling up the nearest pack of biscuits or chips. Followed by a can of soda.
Â
You would be really naïve if you still wonder at the end of the month why can’t I lose weight?
Way Out
- Plan your weekly healthy menus.
- Do your grocery accordingly.
- In case of a really tight work schedule, prepare your meals during the weekend and freeze them.
- Fix yourself lunch before sleeping. In this way, you won’t eat out, the next day.
- As a result, you won’t end up trashing your body with fattening junk food.
20. You Are Expecting!! 😀
If you are expecting and then expecting to lose weight all along, then you are in a fool’s paradise. You are gaining weight and at the same time; you are trying to conceive, then run a pregnancy test at home or go to the closest laboratory. If the test comes positive, then congratulations! It is normal for you to gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy.
Way Out
- Eat healthy, nutritious whole food all along your pregnancy journey.
- Enjoy this time.
- Do not fret over losing weight, as now is not the time and place to do so.
- Come back to this article after a year instead!;)
21. More Calories In, Then Out
You exercise daily and vigorously. But still, you are not able to lose weight. Are you in a habit of rewarding yourself with food after a workout session? If this is the case, then you are burning lesser calories than what you are consuming.
Way Out
- Take proteins right after a workout. Your body will reward you with lean muscle mass that will help to burn calories.
- Do not eat protein bars or sugary sports drinks post-workout as they result in weight gain.
- Rather, make your own protein bars using dates, nuts, and seeds at home.
22. Too Many Small Meals
You would have heard to take numerous small meals throughout the day! But this is not the case that suits everybody.
Â
According to studies, small meal distribution throughout the day has no significance in weight loss.
Â
Still, wondering why can’t I lose weight even after taking many small meals all day long. This is because it doesn’t boost the metabolism.
Way Out
- Rationally speaking, in your busy schedule, you do not have enough time to make and eat nutritious food all day long.
- Alternatively, you can opt for an effective fat-loss method called intermittent fasting (IF). In which a person remains without food for a long fixed time frame (like 15 to 24 hours or even more) and eats only in a designated open window.Â
23. You Are A Hard Junkie
No matter what you do, you just cannot live without eating junk food.
Â
Junk food contains food that is high in fats and carbohydrates. This directly hinders healthy weight loss.
Way Out
- Try to overcome your addiction by mindful eating.
- Do not bring any junk food at home in the first place.
- Zip up your mouth.
- Meditate when you think you are going to lose the war against yourself.
- Still, if you cannot manage the junk food craving by yourself, then seek professional help.
24. You Need A Break…! (Read it in Ross’ voice :P)
Sometimes, you have been dieting for a long time and you need a break. As with the weight loss plateau, this strategy really works.
Â
Increase your calorie intake by a few 100 calories each day. Do not stop working out and stick to resistance training. It will increase your lean muscle mass. Sleep more and relax.
Way Out
- For 1 to 2 months, maintain your body fats, then hit back with a fresh mind and body.
25. You Have A Sedentary Lifestyle
Evidently, if you have a job that demands long hours of sitting, then your body stops producing lipase, which is a fat-inhibiting enzyme. Regularly getting up and stretching your body kicks your metabolism, leading to weight loss.
Way Out
- For every 30 minutes of sitting in one place, move for 3 minutes.
- Walk while taking phone calls at work.
- Ditch the elevator and take the stairs.
- Park your car away from your office and walk or jog all the way.
26. You Are Abstaining From Entire Food Groups
Clearly, if any diet demands cutting out whole food groups like protein, fat, or carbs, then you won’t lose weight.
Â
You need to avail yourself of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber from these foods.
Way Out
- Start with 50% carbs, 30% protein, and 20% fat in a day. Tailor this ratio according to your own body needs.
- Take lean meat, whole grains, and seafood for protein, and nuts and avocado for fats.
- Stop taking processed and packaged food altogether.