#SugarBalancedLiving

If you aren’t losing weight and are feeling very demotivated about your body - it’s okay, you have nothing to worry about. There are a lot of reasons why you might not be losing weight that are completely natural - in fact, everyone experiences plateaus! If you can’t get to the bottom of what’s going on with your body, then this guide will help you to take way more control over your body.

1. You’re Focusing Too Much On The Scale

If you think that you are experiencing a weight loss plateau then don’t fret just yet. It is very common for the scale not to budge for a few days after you begin your weight loss journey - it doesn’t mean that you aren’t losing weight. However, it is possible for you to gain muscle and lose fat, at the exact same time. This is especially the case if you have just started to exercise and you have a diet that is high in protein. Instead of relying on your scale entirely, it’s wise for you to measure your waist circumference, and your body fat so you can monitor your numbers.

2. You’re Eating Too Much

If you eat too much then you will likely keep the weight instead of dropping it. One way for you to work around this would be for you to track what you are eating in a healthy way. Don’t obsess over calories but at the same time, do not eat fatty foods without being mindful. Try and keep it balanced - log how many meals are high in veggies and nutrients, and how many are ‘treat’ meals. Alcohol should also be avoided as this is a big contributor to weight gain. Many people start to rely more on alcohol for their sweet ‘fix’ when quitting sugar, especially if under a lot of stress. If you believe that your reliance on alcohol is becoming higher than the norm, then now could be the time for you to look into alcohol rehab.

3. You’re Not Focused on Protein

If you don’t have enough protein in your diet, then you could be making a huge mistake. Eating lean protein while working out can actually help to promote weight loss and can also drastically lower your chances of developing heart disease. This happens because protein is the building block for muscles, and helps you to feel fuller for longer - meaning no need for tempting snacks. A lot of this comes down to the protein’s effects on regulating your appetite. A high-protein diet also helps to stop weight gain from occurring so quickly, so be mindful of this if you can.

4. You Are Avoiding Whole Foods

Food quality is so important. Eating whole foods can improve your wellbeing and it can also help you with your appetite. Whole foods tend to be way more filling than their more processed alternatives. Keep in mind that sometimes, foods that are labelled as being health foods don’t tend to be nutritious. If possible, you need to read the ingredients and you also need to take note of the packaging, so you can make sure that you are not eating extra carbs without realising. The more aware and mindful you can be about the food you eat, the better, as it will help you to make much more educated choices going forward. Make choices that include fresh, hand prepared foods, and meals that include healthy grains like quinoa, lean protein like chicken, and plenty of vegetables.