3 Surprising Things That Are Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Efforts

We all know that there is more to achieving our weight loss goals then just eating our vegetables. Although, that is an excellent place to start since many Americans on the standard diet don't eat enough vegetables. With most weight loss programs, there is the component of nutrition and exercise that are usually addressed but very few think about the following three potential roadblocks.#1-STRESSStress comes in various forms; physical, emotional, mental or financial. Whether it's work, a relationship, health issues or financial strain that causes you to fret, long term stress is not healthy. Stress releases cortisol from your adrenal glands which responds as the "fight and flight" mechanism in our body. Relentless stress causes our cortisol levels to stay elevated creating weight gain. In addition, with continual high stress the adrenal glands become overworked possibly leading to depressed immune function or adrenal fatigue. Finding ways to reduce your stress will assist in one's weight loss and general health. The key is to find something that helps you; maybe it means delegating responsibility at work, reading , meditating, yoga or walking.#2 LACK OF SLEEPLack of sleep also relates to point #1. Typically when stress levels are high and cortisol is elevated, an individual suffers from the inability to sleep. Sleep deprivation alters one's hormones and metabolic process. Studies have shown that a lack of shut eye can cause significant alteration of glucose tolerance. Another hormone called leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone produced by fat cells, is significantly lower in individuals who get less than 7.5 hours of sleep because leptin is produced during the night while sleeping. The bottom line is those who don't get enough sleep will struggle with weight loss and even gain weight. So go to bed early and wake up lighter:).#3 NOT EATING ENOUGHThere is a myth that if we eat less we will lose weight. But this method only leaves us hungry, irritable and lacking energy. Maybe you have felt that way while on a diet. Actually, if you don't have enough fuel for your body, it will think it is in starvation mode and in turn store all calories eaten into glycogen(fat) thinking it has to save it for later. The lack of caloric intake also disrupts your metabolism by slowing down the calorie-burning capacity. Surprisingly by eating several smaller meals throughout the day, your metabolism will increase and even helps to maintain your blood sugar levels. Some of the increase in metabolism is due to the energy required to digest healthy, whole foods. This does not mean that one should eat what I call "empty calories:, such as cookies, crackers and other snacks that will only leave you hungry again in an hour or less.Diet and exercise still remain the foundation of any weight loss program. However, if you are struggling or have hit a plateau in your efforts, consider the 3 things I mentioned and evaluate if they apply to you then make any necessary changes.