Whats Holding You Back From Losing Weight?

     You may not even realizing you're self-sabotaging yourself, you may be blaming outside factors instead of having a good look at yourself. Here are some of the leading examples of areas you may be self sabotaging yourself.

1. You've got a bad attitude
Bringing to mind the reasons why you should exercise, like fitting into your old Ramones t-shirt, will not increase the time you spend exercising, found researchers at Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research. However thinking about the steps you need to take to improve your performance, will lead to an increase in exercise, improved cardiovascular fitness and weight loss. Once a week, write down what you need to do to run faster or push more weight and you'll do it.

2. You've got fat friends
Choose wisely who you eat your post-workout meal with. Research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found people who eat with a friend eat substantially more (up to double the calories) than if they ate with an unfamiliar peer. Schedule a business lunch after your workout and you won't over indulge.

3. You're confusing yourself
Using a flashy font on your exercise programme can confuse and de-motivate you. People who were given printed exercise instructions in the Arial thought the workout would be easier and take less time than when it was presented in other fonts, found research at the University of Michigan, US. And as we all know, if something seems easier, you're more likely to stick to it.

4. You're stressed
Being highly strung can cause you to store fat around your middle, found research in The Obesity Society Journal. There is a remedy: tea. Researchers from University College London found when blokes drank 4 cups of black tea their cortisol (your stress hormone) levels decreased by 50%. Take a hot drink - it'll keep you lean and chilled.

5. You're sleeping too snug
Turn down the thermostat. "Sleeping in room that's over 25 degrees means your body doesn't have to burn as many calories to keep you warm," says Philipp's. Turn the heater down, or off, to force your body to heat itself up, then maybe you won't have as much blubber to keep you warm. Come on - get to sleep. You've got weight to lose.

6. You've chosen the wrong training partner
Need an exercise buddy, rope in the 4 legged kind - they never cancel. Research at the Conference of the International Society for Anthrozoology compared people who ran with a friend or with their dog. After 12 weeks those who roped in their canine friend burnt more fat, were more fit and could hoof it faster than those who walked with people. Get your (or your neighbour's) pooch out the house to take the lead in the fat loss race.

7. Keep yourself interested
If you sick of the same food you'll probably splurge on something fatty. "Switch eating plans when you get bored," says Dr. Michael Dansinger assistant professor at Tufts School of Medicine, USA. "Research shows you're more likely to be successful if you enjoy the food you're eating." Take home message: get on the lookout new healthy weight loss recipes (suggest MH page number) and try them out - we're sure she'll approve of being your guinea pig.

8. Be optimistic
"One of the most important tips for being a successful weight loser is not to let past failed attempts keep you from trying again," says Dansinger. "Every time you fail, you get more insight about what to do differently next time." Write down on a list what caused your diet to go off the rails and put it in a noticeable place, like your fridge, and you'll be reminded what to avoid.

9. You've got weak bones
Think milk moustaches aren't cool? Think again. Men who add calcium to their diet can lose up to 70% more weight and 64% more fat than blokes who cut calories alone. Aim for 1000mg of this bone builder a day by scoffing plenty of food like cheese and sardines. Or just grab a supplement for the easiest way to keep your bones and abs as hard as Wolverine's.

1. Prev:How To Lose Weight Fast In 7 Easy Steps
2. Next:10 Ways To Give Your Training The Mental Edge