Losing Weight Quickly is Safe and Attainable

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Trying to lose weight is always a thousand times harder than putting weight on. It can be frustrating, as many individuals are looking for a fast and effective way to lose weight. Pills and supplements are sold by the millions, as people look for the quickest and easiest solution to their weight-loss problems.

Table of Contents

Why Is it So Hard to Lose Weight?

Over the holiday season, it seems as though you can put on 10 pounds without even trying. If you decide to lose those same 10 pounds, it turns into the ultimate struggle. Why is this? Why is it so challenging to shed those pounds?

There is every pill, drug, solution, and piece of equipment you can think of on the market. Each makes the same claim, use as directed and your weight will fall off. If this was the case, why are so many individuals still struggling with their weight? The answer: it’s not always as easy as it seems. Don’t go looking for shortcuts, as you want to lose weight in a healthy and safe manner.

You may be doing everything you’re supposed to. You’re counting calories, yet you’re not losing any weight. There are a few reasons why this may be the case. Of course, every individual is different regarding their body composition, metabolism, and their lifestyle. This makes results vary from person-to-person.

Woman doing push-ups and aiming for pizza
  1. You may be eating back all the calories you burnt: If you went for a 3-mile walk this morning, you’re probably feeling pretty good. The fact is, many people overestimate the number of calories they burn. They tend to overindulge in tempting foods, thinking that they ‘worked out.’ If you burn 250 calories during your walk, then eat a 1000 calorie meal, you’ll have a calorie surplus.
  2. Your diet choices are not as healthy as you think: Many individuals believe that they’re making the right choices when it comes to their diet. However, many individuals within Western society are not eating as healthy as they think they are. Majority of people are fairly uneducated when it comes to the foods they’re consuming. Many brands market their products as ‘healthy,’ but they’re full of sugar and lack nutrients. Make sure you’re meeting the basic guidelines for a healthy diet.
  3. You’re lacking consistency: Being consistent is the key regarding weight-loss. You need to stick to your diet or fitness plan. If you exercise and diet for a week without seeing results, do not get discouraged. You need to stay focused on your goal. As well, practice portion control and learn what moderation truly means. Sure, you may not have had any sweets for a week or two; that does not mean that you should eat three slices of cake. Moderation and consistency play a large role.
  4. There may be an underlying issue: If you have tried everything and I mean SERIOUSLY tried, then you may have an underlying medical issue. Approach your doctor regarding the trouble you’re experiencing. You may have a hormonal disorder or an under-active thyroid. It does not hurt to get a second, professional opinion.

Is Losing Weight Too Fast Dangerous?

Ideally, you would wake up one morning being ten pounds lighter. We are always looking for the fastest and easiest solution to any problem; weight-loss is no exception. Many individuals will over exercise while consuming a ‘crash diet.’ How does this affect one’s health in the long-term?

Our fat levels are directly correlated to a hormone, known as ‘leptin.’ This hormone controls our metabolism, appetite, and promotes fat burning. If our fat levels drop too rapidly, then low leptin levels will trigger the starvation response.

A woman straved from day's work

When you attempt to eat very little, your body experiences a drop in leptin. This creates a potential cycle of weight-loss and weight-gain. When you’re in starvation mode, your metabolism is lowered, your hunger is increased, and your muscle begins to break down for energy. [1] Your body will help you regain the fat you lost while gaining a little extra to protect you from starvation. This is simply an evolutionary response.

Many low-calorie, rapid diets, yield very little nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This can create some health issues, suppressing your immune system. It’s not all about how much you’re eating, but what you’re eating. You can fill up on a kale and spinach salad with nuts and fruit, instead of a burger and fries. You will feel satisfied after the salad, consumed fewer calories, and gained beneficial nutrients. It’s all about the choices you make.

How Can I Lose Weight Fast?

I know it’s tempting to try various weight-loss supplements and drugs, but there’s a more effective and safe way. Many weight-loss drugs are not currently regulated and tested as well as they should be. Results vary, but you will not achieve the same results in comparison to a changed lifestyle.

Weight-loss doesn’t need to be overwhelming; burn more calories than you consume. You need to commit to your weight-loss goals, making healthy decisions. It all starts with your attitude. If you do not see results fast enough, don’t give up. You may need to reassess your current plan. You need to stay motivated, working towards a more energetic, healthy lifestyle.

Exercise is crucial for long-term weight-loss. Yes, changing your diet can create weight-loss on its own, but you may plateau after a set period. In order to continue losing weight and maintaining that weight-loss, you need to exercise regularly. It’s not all about killing yourself through extensive workouts. Find something that you enjoy doing, incorporating it into your schedule each week. When you exercise on a regular basis, you’ll feel better and have more energy. This will help you stay motivated as well.

Diet is so important. If you have a hard time tracking your intake, keep a food journal. Write down everything that you eat and include all of your successes. Start getting involved in the foods you eat, understanding how they benefit your weight-loss goals and your overall health. This means that you need to spend more time at the grocery store, reading and learning exactly what the labels mean. Start learning how to prepare fresh meals, while being conscious of portion sizes.

Writing down on a journal

Give your lifestyle a makeover. Think about your daily routines. If you spend four hours a day watching TV, then use some of that time to do more productive, healthy activities. Once daily habits and routine are changed, healthy activities become second nature. Raid your pantry and cupboards. If you do not have unhealthy snacks in the house, how can you eat them? The key is filling your kitchen with healthy, beneficial, low-calorie snacks.

Toss the Chips and Reach for a Carrot

Losing weight in a timely fashion is possible and attainable. It will not be an overnight process; once you make serious changes to your lifestyle, you will notice changes in your weight. You should never allow yourself to feel starved, as this is not beneficial and can actually slow down your progress.

You should be snacking every few hours. Choose snacks that provide you with benefits, while practicing portion control. For example, a great snack is a couple of carrots cut up with some organic hummus. Another option is a handful of raw walnuts, a greek yogurt, or a banana. You can achieve your goals; it’s all about the effort you put forward, high levels of motivation, and the knowledge you possess.

Resources

[1] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/18-ways-reduce-hunger-appetite

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