Losing weight can be a frustrating business. You have to eat healthy, start exercising and then...you wait. Sometimes you see a little progress and, other times, nothing seems to be happening. So, if you're exercising and you're watching your calories, why isn't the scale moving?
1. When Will I Start Losing Weight?
Short answer: You'll lose weight when you lose weight. If you've reduced your calories (by about 500 calories a day with diet and exercise) and are consistent with that every day, you will theoretically lose about a pound a week. However, there are other factors involved in weight loss, some of which you can't control including gender, weight, age, fitness level and hereditary factors. To get past the frustration of waiting:
• Focus on what you can control: A healthy diet and consistent exercise.
• Forget about what you can't control: genetics, age, gender and body type.
• Put the scale away: It won't tell you how much body fat you're losing. Take your measurements, get your body fat tested or use other methods of tracking your progress. • Focus on the results you are getting: Are you feeling better? Walking faster or longer? Getting stronger? Sleeping better? More energetic? That's progress and there may be other helath benefits to keep you motivated.
2. Why Can't I Get Rid of My Belly and Thighs?
Many people find that, even when they lose body fat, some areas never seem to slim down (i.e., the belly, hips and thighs). If you've been doing a zillion crunches on your quest for six-pack abs, remember:
• Spot training doesn't work: You can't do crunches to reduce your belly fat or leg lifts to reduce cellulite around the thighs.
• To slim down, you have to lose body fat: Cardio, weight training and diet are three crucial components to losing fat.
• Even losing body fat doesn't guarantee perfection: Your body decides where and when it loses fat, not you. Do your best with your exercise and diet and allow your body to respond to that.
• Focus on the positive results: Maybe you'd rather lose an inch around your belly than, say around your forearm or calf, but progress is progress. If you're losing inches, you're on the right track and your body will eventually get around to those more stubborn areas if you're consistent and patient.
3. I've Stopped Losing Weight...What Am I Doing Wrong?
Plateaus happen to everyone. When you do the same exercise over and over, your body adapts to it and your workout becomes less effective. If you've reached a plateau try these ideas:
• Increase your exercise intensity: Speed up your usual workout or try interval training to boost your endurance and calorie-burn.
• Try something new: Confuse your body by doing something you've never done--ride a bike or go for a swim to keep your muscles from becoming too accustomed to one exercise.
• Lift weights: If you're not weight training, start with a basic strength training program 2-3 times a week. Adding muscle will increase your metabolism and help you lose body fat. If you are lifting weights, try changing your program regularly so that you challenge your muscles in different ways.
• Add another day of exercise: Even an extra 15-20 minutes a week can help you burn more calories.
4. I've Been Exercising for Months and I'm Actually Gaining Weight!
• Even if your weight goes up, you may still be losing body fat: Muscle is more dense than fat and it takes up less space. Pay attention to how your clothes fit--if you weigh more but have slimmed down, you're on the right track.
• Take Your Measurements: Use a measuring tape to measure your chest, waist, hips, arms and thighs. Every four weeks or so, re-take them to track your progress. If you're losing inches, again, you're on the right track.
• If you've gained weight and haven't slimmed down, look at your diet: Some people compensate for exercise by eating more, thinking that exercise gives them permission to eat what they want. You may also be resting more after working out than you normally do, which can change how many calories you burn daily. Keep a journal of what you eat and how much activity you get to track what's going in and what's going out.
5. I've Been Working Out for Several Weeks and Haven't Seen Results. How Can I Keep Going?
Focusing on weight loss is a sure way to get frustrated. Giving up on weight loss and focusing on other benefits may keep you going when times get tough. Just a few benefits of exercise include:
• More energy
• Better sleep
• More focus and concentration
• Increased circulation
• Reduced stress
• More confidence
If you're frustrated with lack of results, plateaus or other weight loss dilemmas, remember that losing weight takes time, patience and consistency. It can take months or years to see significant changes so, when you feel like quitting, remember that what you're doing now will affect your future quality of life.
