9 CONTRIBUTORS TO WEIGHT GAIN - BEYOND WHAT YOU'RE EATING-

This is by far the most common concern/issue reported by those I am working with. I hear it time and time again “I’ve been watching what I’m eating and I’ve been working so hard to eliminate unhealthy choices and yet I’m not losing weight or I’m not keeping the weight off”

The simple reality is that it’s not all about what you’re eating (or not eating), your dietary plan is only one piece of the “weight management puzzle”… if you are not addressing the 9 Contributors To Weight Gain then chances are you will not be experiencing the results you would like.

1. Stress – When the adrenal glands are stressed they produce hormones that contribute to weight gain. People who are depressed often have decreased serotonin levels in the brain, causing cravings for sweets and starchy foods.

2. Genetics – Children born to overweight parents are at risk of being born with more fat cells, keeping the weight off is not impossible, but it will be more of a challenge.

3. Skipping Meals - Many people think if they skip a meal their body will use fat for fuel. Nothing could be further from the truth. When there is no food for fuel, the body holds onto fat and uses lean muscle tissue, which is a cleaner burning fuel for the body. Consequently, we lose muscle mass and become soft and spongy. Going any longer than 3.5 hours without eating a meal/snack also causes blood sugars to drop which can lead to hypoglycaemia and in some cases, diabetes.

4. Food Choices – Foods high on the glycemic index (sugary or refined foods) contribute to weight gain. Overeating and food sensitivities lead to leaky gut syndrome which impairs good digestion stresses the liver and contributes to weight gain. (ask for the Glycemic Index handout for more information)

5. Metabolic Rate – Low thyroid function makes losing weight more difficult. Thyroid hormones control our metabolic function. The thyroid and adrenal glands work very closely together so ensuring their optimal functioning is important.

6. Liver Dysfunction – The liver processes hormones, eliminates toxins, cleans the blood, metabolizes proteins and carbs into energy, manufactures bile to help break down fats, and hundreds of other functions. It’s important to keep the liver squeaky clean.

7. Hormones – Any disruption of liver detoxification contributes to excesses or imbalances of hormones, particularly estrogen. Often referred to as “Estrogen Dominance” which contributes to fat around the abdominal area – “Jelly Belly.”

8. Lack of Exercise – Exercise burns calories and builds muscle, both of which are required for maintaining a healthy weight.

9. Medications – weight gain is often a side effect of medication; anti-depressants in particular can contribute to weight gain.

Want some help, support and guidance with one... two... three... all of the above OR not too sure which one's you should be concerned with? Click here and I can help to pinpoint your unique needs and provide you with so many great tips, suggestions, recommendations and resources that will help get you to where you want to be!!

Sending A Wish Your Way For A Well BALANCED Day

Jenny