5 Reasons Why It's Hard to Lose Weight

If you are here, you probably don't need me to tell you that losing weight and keeping it off is a hard task at times. You see the scale start to go down one week and the next week or two, it's right back up. Then you ask yourself..."what am I doing wrong?" "Maybe it's that slice of cake I ate 4 days ago." "Maybe I will never lose the weight." "Maybe this isn't for me."

PAUSE

Before you start filling your head with self doubt and start beating yourself up, know that you can and YOU WILL get to where you want to be. One slice of cake won't derail you. Sometimes taking a step back, and understanding where our setbacks may be coming from, will help us reach our end goal more effectively and efficiently! Once you are in the right mindset, you are unstoppable.

First, I just want to preface this by saying that everyone has their own unique case and what I am about to say should not be taken as medical advice. In the grand scheme of things, there is a lot that goes into play when it comes to weight loss. What I'm about to share with you are simply my own personal experiences and road blocks that I wish I realized sooner while on my road to fat loss (because that's really what weight loss is). I feel like this was helpful to me and feel it may be helpful to you!

However, if you haven't already, I HIGHLY suggest reading my blog post on "How To Set Yourself Up For Success To Live A Healthy Lifestyle" first! The tips and advice I give in that post are great if you are about to START a fat loss journey! Once you have done that, come back over here and let the real work begin to make sure nothing will get one our way!

Link to the blog post mentioned above:

#1: You may be focusing on the wrong thing...

Often times, the only focus when someone is on a fat loss journey is losing weight. Hold up, I know what you’re thinking.... “Well duh Jessica. What else am I trying to do?” However, that is not what the focus should be on. If that is all you’re focused on, 9/10 you will fail OR you will lose the weight, accomplish the goal, and then start gaining it right back.

Well damn, that’s harsh. Why is that?

Because, like I said, you are focusing on the wrong thing! In reality, it takes time to lose weight. What happens when weight loss is your only goal and you barely see the scale move? If you don't have a focus other than weight loss, it can be hard to stay motivated throughout your journey. One way to combat this is to find more than one reason to stay motivated aside from just weight or fat loss. Maybe the motivation can be how you feel after you workout, your overall health, or your quality of life. Some are also motivated by being able to lift a certain amount of weight as a small accomplishment within their weight loss journey. Whatever those other motivating factors are, focus on THAT and weight loss will follow!

#2: You aren't in a caloric deficit

This one comes with tough love, but one day you have to realize that your current eating habits and lifestyle is what got you here in the first place. Changing the way you eat and portion control is commitment you have to make for long lasting weight loss results. Aim for whole foods and simple ingredients! If changing cold turkey is not your thing, that's ok! Do your research and swap out your current unhealthy foods for healthier alternatives. I made a video on YouTube that includes "5 Healthy Food Swaps" that you can include in your diet that will help you transition into healthier eating to get to your goals! I'll insert that video down below.

Pay attention to what you are eating. Don't worry, eventually a structured diet will end, but healthy eating should not. This doesn't mean you have to stop eating all your favorite, not so great foods! You still can, just not as often! You really have to take an honest look at your diet and be willing to make accommodations to reduce calories and get to your end goal.

#3: You're not willing to change your lifestyle

Lifestyle means coming to terms with the daily decisions and choices you have to make as well! This includes setting yourself up for success like meal prepping, eating healthy, getting rid of the junk food at your house, going to the gym, self care, etc!

This includes the tough day to day battles. For example, there will be days that you don't want to go to the gym. Trust me, I have those days too! (Sigh). Then, next thing you know, you missed out on another workout and the inconsistency continues, which is what you've been doing. The only approach to a fat loss journey is the consistent approach! You have to be willing to change how you live and with that comes discipline!

#4: Too many temptations

Temptation is EVERYWHERE! *Queue the tough love* How many times has one of your coworkers brought their fresh baked desserts or sweets to the office? How many times do your friends want to go out to eat and binge on processed foods in one sitting? Or how about that vending machine that stares you down at work? I'll answer that.....ALL THE FREAKING TIME! I didn't even talk about what might be sitting in your own pantry or fridge at home! (Yikes!)

When I was in prep for my first competition, this happened allllll the time. Although, things are a little bit strict when in competition prep, temptation still exists. Now, that doesn't mean you can never have those items again. However, you do need to practice discipline and accept that in order to get to the end goal, you have to practice self discipline with the day to day temptations!

#5: Inflexibility

Sometimes you won't have time to do a full 1 hour workout. Often times we will wake up late, get out of work late, or literally any excuse you can think of. However, instead of deciding you now don't have time to workout and then skip....be flexible! If you can't do the full 1 hour workout, get as much as you can in! Instead of 1 hour, if you can only workout for 20 mins, get that HIIT workout on and poppin or move your workout location to the house or outside! You can do so much in a short period of time. You don't have to spend countless hours at the gym to see results. Get up off your butt and move! Something is literally better than nothing!!! You you really want it bad enough, you will work for it and make sure it happens.

Those are my 5 reasons why it may be hard to lose weight. These tips helped me in my journey and I hope they help you as well. One thing to remember is that we are all human and we will mess up every once and a while. However, the key is when you get off track, don't sit and make excuses. Pick yourself back up and move along. Never give up on yourself. You are all you have!

Now go have a beautiful day with your beautiful self!

xoxo

Jessica