6 Reasons why you may not be losing weight

You are working SO hard, eating “clean” and working out but you aren’t seeing the results you want! It can be so frustrating to be putting in so much work and feel like you aren’t getting anything out of your efforts.  You may ask yourself, what’s the point!?!
If you are working SO hard and still not seeing the results you want, here are a few common factors that may be slowing your results!

1. Stress.

Stress = increased cortisol = slowed metabolism = fat storage! Cortisol is known as “the stress hormone” and in today’s world, stress levels are at their all time high. Cortisol not only can result in increased body fat, and is has been linked to other health issues that are very serious.
Keeping your cortisol levels at bay and learning how to manage them will help you in your weight loss journey! It is definitely easier said than done but something that needs to be worked on daily! Here are 4 things you can do to help cope and decrease stress levels.

1. Only Hang with those that pick you up and make you laugh. Those that see the glass half full and NOT half empty should be your besties!

1. Meditate. Not an easy task but take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and nothing more…
2. Sleep! Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
3. Two positive affirmations a day! One when you wake up and one when you go to bed. Focusing on one positive thought first thing upon waking and before you close your eyes will start and end your day with positive energy!

2. Sleep.

Sleep helps recharge your batteries. Not only does it reduce levels of cortisol, but also produces growth hormone (GH). GH helps with fat loss, immunity and helps to keep your organs functioning optimally.
Believe it or not, lack of sleep can also lead to excess eating. Just like how dehydration can be misconstrued as hungry, being sleepy can do the same thing. Aim to get 7-8 (9 would be nice but I am being a realist) of sleep a night and drop those cortisol and increase your GH levels.

3. Water.

This is a big one! One that is so simple and gets so easily forgotten! Water is HUGE. If you aren’t getting in enough water, not only are you not flushing your body of toxins but your liver has to work in overdrive since your kidneys are not functioning properly due to dehydration! Your liver is the one in charge of fat metabolism and if it is working to flush toxins it is working less on burning calories, i.e. fat. So moral of the story is simple: Drink your water!

They say, drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces but I am willing to bet that if you are reading this you are one who works out (I would hope). For those that workout and sweat daily, I suggest you aim for 3/4 – 1 gallon of water a day.
*I don’t count the water content in shakes, coffee, foods, etc. This is purely water you drink aside from everything else.

4. Proper Digestion.

Your gut often doesn’t get as much attention and love as it should! If your gut doesn’t have the right bacteria/flora, you can experience horrible digestion, gas, bloating and not to mention a wide array of sickness stems from imbalanced microflora in the gut. When they say health stems from the inside out, it is 100% pure truth. When your gut is healthy and happy, you see it in your hair, skin, nails, and how your body responds to any clean eating, fitness plan. Everything starts with your gut health!
There are things you can do to help give your gut the love and support it needs to optimize efficiently and in turn help you with your weight loss efforts.

1. Reduce Stress (refer back to #1 and #2)
2. Eat smaller but more frequent meals to allow your body to digest each and every meal properly and assimilate nutrients efficiently.
3. Limit (or remove) sugar from your diet.
4. Probiotics. Taking a good probiotic can help replenish your good bacteria in your gut and keep your flora in balance.
   1. Slow down when you eat! Be sure to chew your food rather than inhale it.
      *G-Tip: Using chop sticks is a great way to make yourself slow down…

5. Fiber is your Friend.

Fiber should be your BEST friend! That is why it is FREE in all my plans. They not only help with your digestive health but keep you full and in turn keeping you from straying off your diet consuming unnecessary calories!
You will find fiber in whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oatmeal, oat bran, etc.) and of course vegetables! Eat TONS of Veggies! The only veggies that I don’t consider free on my plans are Peas, Carrots, Corn and Beets. Other than those and your root veggies, which are considered a complex carb, have at them and eat your fiber! Here are a list of some of my favorites

Broccoli
Spinach
Brussels Sprouts
Red or Green Bell Pepper
Kale
Tomatoes (moderation)
Zucchini
Cucumber
Eggplant
Cabbage
Asparagus
Green Beans
Onions
Cauliflower
Jicima
Lettuce (mixed greens)
Radishes
Sprouts
Celery
Mushrooms

6. Sugar.

Sugar, no matter how “organic” or “raw” it is, is still sugar. Sugar not only contributes to weight gain, increases blood glucose levels, gives you a huge rush of energy but then a huge dip in energy levels, and is also a non nutrient that most diseases feed off of. If you can remove sugar from your diet, you will see a huge increase in how you look AND feel!
Removing Sugar from your diet doesn’t mean you have to eat a bland, boring and flavorless diet, it means getting creative and finding ways to satisfy your cravings without having to eat the real thing. Find ways to get creative with your food, have fun with your cooking/baking and satisfy those crazy cravings that come on strong!  Devotion Nutrition’s Protein and Flex Flavors, it is SO easy to remove sugar. With zero sugar protein powder that turns into ice cream and bakes the most incredible baked guilt free goodies and Flex Flavors that add flavor without sugar and guilt, you literally can have your cake and eat it too. From Bananas Foster to Creme Brulee and Coconut Biscotti, Devotion Nutrition has an incredible line up of guilt free options to keep you devoted to eating healthy and feeling amazing all year round.