Let’s be honest and talk honestly about weight loss.

Rarely it’s just “one thing” that holds you back, or keeps you from losing weight. Often, it’s your habits and behaviors, as well as, poorly applied knowledge that hold you back.

If you’ve had a history of losing weight and then gaining it all back again, or you are simply interested in making a change to better your health, then this article is for you.

#1-Your Sleep Habits:

Are you sleeping 7-9 hours each night? Do you have a sleep ritual? Prioritize sleep? Do you turn off your phone, tablet, and/or wifi? Is the room cold, dark, and quiet?

Disrupted sleep is probably holding you back, if you answered “no” to any of these questions.

#2-Stress Level:

Do you bring work home? Are you arguing with your spouse/partner often? Do you get frustrated with traffic and your commute? Are you always in a hurry? Is it hard to wind down at the end of the day?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then your cortisol and adrenaline may be high, which will affect weight loss.

#3-Daily Movement Habits:

Do you sit most of the day? Walk less than 3 miles each day? Is regular exercise part of your routine? Do you strength train 2 or more days/week?

If you are lacking daily movement, then your body will hold on to weight. Your body will only adapt to the demands you place on it.

#4-Calorie Deficit:

Do you think calories outside the body are the same as inside the body? Is all food is created equal? Do you believe that your body is a simple bank account, where eating less guarantees weight loss?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you don’t understand the impact of food.

#5-Your Hormones and Gut:

Do you think that an apple and a piece of candy are the same inside your body? Are there times when you starve yourself, and then gorge? Do vegetables matter? Is there enough fiber in your diet? Do you understand how foods and medicine can affect the microbiome of the gut?

If you don’t know any of these answers, then you’ve got some work ahead.

#6-Are you being honest about 1-5?

If you are not being honest, then you are not giving yourself the opportunity to succeed.

Losing weight requires a basic understanding of the factors that affect it, as well as behavioral changes and trade offs. You’ve gotta first be honest with yourself, then seek out the help of a professional who can tailor a program for you, based on your life.

Just because paleo, calorie counting, keto, or carb cycling worked for your friends, it doesn’t mean it’s best suited for your needs.

If you’d like to learn more about getting a handle on your weight, I’m here to help!

-Aaron