Why youre losing the battle of the bulge

If the number on your scale won't budge and you feel like you're losing the battle against the bulge, you need to read this!

The fat loss game is more frustrating than most care to admit. The scale can become a dreaded enemy - a constant bearer of bad news. If you're trying but failing to lose weight, read on to find out why you're losing the battle of the bulge, and how you can turn the weight loss game around! 

1. You're not eating enough 

When you're trying to drop a few kilograms by eating next to nothing, it actually counteracts your efforts. This only happens in cases of severe calorie restriction, so don't take it as a licence to eat whatever you'd like. There are a basic number of calories that you should be eating in order to maintain your proper bodily functions, including fat loss, so check with a doctor or your nutritionist to make sure that you're eating enough. Look at your Basal Metabolic Rate.

2. You're eating too many carbs 

Processed or refined carbs will promote fat storage quicker than you can say the alphabet backwards. Blood sugar and insulin levels always respond in the same way to processed carbs. You won't fool your scale if you include processed carbs in your fat loss diet.

3. You're doing too much cardio 

If you're doing hours of steady-state cardio, it's going to end up working against your fat-loss efforts. All that cardio promotes the release of stress hormones (cortisol) in your body, which counteracts your ability to lose fat. 

4. You're not getting enough sleep 

You may not see the connection between your sleep pattern and the number on your scale, but it's there. Sleep patterns have an impact on your hormone levels, and hormones are a huge factor when it comes to losing fat. Be sure to get a full eight hours of sleep each night to boost your fitness results, otherwise you will be fighting an uphill battle with cortisol, which counteracts your ability to lose fat. 

5. Your snacks contain no protein 

Small, whole food snacks through the day can help maintain your metabolism and encourage fat loss, but it all depends on what you're snacking on. Fruit-only snacks quickly break down to sugar, which causes insulin to be released and potential fat storage to occur, much like when you eat processed carbs. Sure, the fruit will make less of an impact than chocolate, but you could be snacking smarter. Only eat snacks that contain more protein than carbs, and also some fat. This will help to stabilise your blood sugar levels, while also keeping hunger at bay for longer. Try hard-boiled eggs, legumes, almonds or even cottage cheese. 

6. You eat diet foods 

I get it - you have a fat loss goal so it's tempting to fall into the trap of purchasing foods that claim to help dieters. The problem lies in the fact that these diet products have been highly processed and contain potentially harmful chemicals and artificial sweeteners that will confuse your hormones and promote fat storage. The best diet strategy, when working towards a fitness goal, is to stick with real, fresh, whole foods. Steer clear of anything fake or processed. Simply put, DON'T DIET! 

My trainers and I are here to help you reach your fitness and fat loss goals. Call or email us today to get started on a fitness program that will quickly and permanently transform your body. Don't wait another week, another day, or even another hour to take action. We are here now, and we are ready and excited to help see you through your goals.  

Got any questions? Follow me on twitter @RonaldAbvajee or visit www.mypt.co.za to learn more.

If you enjoyed this article, read Everything you need to know about calories

1. Prev:Tired of eating salad on a plate?
2. Next:Keep your fridge and cupboards free of junk foods