What are the reasons you are not losing weight despite your workout? You’ve been trying to lose weight for a while now and thought you had finally discovered the proper workout. So you got all your equipment ready and showed up every day.
However, it seems you’re doing nothing whenever you check your progress. There’s no change on the scale, and sometimes your clothes seem snugger than when you started. So why aren’t you losing weight despite your efforts?
There’s a common misconception that a good workout plan is all it takes to shed extra pounds. Physical activity is an essential part of the process, but it’s not the only thing you should do.
If you’re working out and not seeing results, you probably make some typical weight loss mistakes. Here are five reasons your scale won’t budge despite your efforts. Here are the five biggest reasons you’re not losing weight despite your workout:
You’ve Not Changed Your Diet
After reading about marijuana weight loss benefits, you stocked up on weed from Weed Smart Products Dispensary, got a yoga mat and other workout equipment, and resolved to lose weight.
You showed up for your workouts without fail, but the weight wasn’t shedding as you had hoped. You’re not alone.
Many people on a weight loss journey deal with this frustration. One of the significant reasons you may not be losing weight despite working out is that you’ve not changed your diet.
They say weight loss is 80% diet and 20% workout. Therefore, while dietary supplements and physical activity boost your efforts, it’s not enough.
A balanced diet containing protein, carbohydrates, and fat would be best. Avoid junk food and foods with high sugar and salt content. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself from time to time. Just don’t overdo it.
You’re Not Sleeping Enough
Lack of sleep may also contribute to weight gain. For example, a study done in 2016 found that women who slept for five hours gained more weight than those who got at least seven hours of sleep. The researchers speculated that the findings might have been because:
- Sleep deprivation stimulates the secretion of cortisol—one hormone that regulates appetite.
- Fatigue makes you skip workouts and lethargic, which reduces the number of calories you burn.
- Lack of sleep makes you feel hungry even when you’re not. As a result, you find you overeat.
If you’re struggling with sleep deprivation, it’s advisable to improve your sleep hygiene. Wake up and sleep simultaneously daily, keep electronics away from the bedroom, and have a relaxing nighttime routine.
You Ignore Your Calorie Intake
Eating healthier meals doesn’t mean you can indulge in as much food as you want. Experts identified a calorie surplus as the significant reason you’re not losing weight despite working out.
One of the most critical factors in weight loss is calorie intake vs. calorie burn. So you must ensure you’re burning more calories than you’re eating.
If you never track your caloric intake, there’s a higher chance of overeating. Unfortunately, this means that working out won’t yield any results because you won’t be burning enough calories to see changes in your body.
Therefore, determine how much of a caloric deficit you need to lose weight and use a calorie tracker to track how much food you eat. If you do this and stick to a consistent workout routine, see the extra pounds falling off quickly.
Your diet Doesn’t Include Enough Plant-Based Proteins
You’ve probably heard that protein is your best friend when you’re on a weight loss journey. The statement about protein is true. However, all protein is not the same. For instance, animal protein is rich in fat. Therefore, overconsumption of animal protein can lead to weight gain.
Therefore, it’s crucial to consume animal proteins in moderation and incorporate plant-based proteins, like legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, into your diet.
Plant-based proteins dominate their animal counterparts because they have fewer calories and less fat. Therefore, you can consume them in large amounts without worrying about gaining weight. The proper diet will eliminate the reason you’re not losing weight.
Your Cardio Isn’t Intense Enough
The type of workouts you choose can also be why you’re not losing weight. If you want to lose weight, focus on cardio exercises that raise your heart rate. These include exercises like CrossFit, HIIT workouts, and jogging. Also, fitness trainers like Chloe Ting provide great workouts you can do for free.
The mistake most people make is concentrating only on weight training. The best approach is to have a workout that incorporates both but focuses more on cardio.
This way, you’re not losing muscle. An experienced fitness trainer can help you find the proper resistance training and cardio mix. It is possible with compound lifts to do cardio and resistance training simultaneously.
The Last Word on the Five Biggest Reasons for not Losing Weight Despite Working Out
Identifying why you’re not losing weight despite working out can be frustrating. Most people give up and never try again. Don’t give up.
Consider the tips in this article and make the changes you’ve not already completed. Maintaining a proper diet, calorie intake, and regular physical activity is all it takes to shed those extra pounds.
However, you need to analyze your progress often and stay on top of your diet and calorie intake to ensure you’re moving in the right direction.
If you’re unsure how to go about it, it’s advisable to consult a licensed nutritionist and work with a certified trainer.