How many times have you started a new diet or workout plan? How many times have you failed to shed those pesky pounds? Contrary to popular belief, diet and exercise are not enough for weight loss. From daily stress to hormones, sleep, and overall health, there are many other factors that affect your weight. Common mistakes, such as not getting enough rest or doing too much cardio, can stall your progress.
Fortunately, it’s never too late to change your approach to fat loss. Here are some tips to help you out:
Get More Sleep
Sleep plays a major role in metabolism and weight loss. During sleep, your body releases growth hormone, which influences your weight and supports muscle repair. It also regulates hunger hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin.
If you don’t rest well, ghrelin levels increase. This may lead to sugar cravings, hunger pangs, and overeating. At the same time, leptin levels go down. Poor sleep can also elevate the stress hormone cortisol levels, which puts you at risk for insulin resistance and obesity. To prevent these issues and lose weight, sleep at least eight hours per night.
Enjoy Your Food
The key to sticking to your diet is to choose foods you actually enjoy. Recreate your favorite snacks and treats using healthier ingredients. Choose nutritious foods that promote satiety, such as almonds, coconut flour, berries, and leafy greens. For instance, you can make chocolate ice cream at home using Greek yogurt, dark chocolate, stevia, peppermint leaves, walnuts, and cottage cheese. It tastes just like the real thing, but without the extra calories.
Train Smart
Too much exercise is just as bad as no exercise at all. If you’re serious about weight loss, don’t try to out-train your diet. Working out too hard for too long will drain your energy and slow your metabolism. You’ll not only feel tired and fatigued, but also hit a plateau and mess up your hormones. A typical workout session shouldn’t be longer than 40-60 minutes.
