Weight Loss Resistance

I realize that several posts as of late have pertained to weight-loss, and here is one more. My last article dealt with specific dietary myths versus real, sustainable dietary approaches to losing weight. However, sometimes there is more to consider, and your body may be dealing with weight loss resistance. Below, I have copied and pasted a hand-out I provide for my weight loss clients that I thought I would share. Of course, when dealing with weight loss resistance, it is very individual person to person, and it can get tricky, considering in many cases one is dealing with hormonal imbalances, toxicity issues, etc...and working with a nutrition professional can be very helpful in terms of figuring out what is really going on with your body, and creating a dietary, herbal and (if necessary) supplemental protocol. 

Weight Loss Resistance

Are you exercising and eating right, but your body seems resistant to weight loss? When this is the case, there may be more to consider than the simple motto: “calories in, calories out.” Consider the following:

Getting Enough Fat

Not incorporating enough good fat into our diet can equal body fat, despite popular belief. Our brain and every cell in our body need fat to function and thrive, and without it, the body will resist weight loss. Include healthy fats like olive oil, ground flax seed (or oil), organic nuts/seeds, avocados, grass-fed butter, ghee, and coconut oil (and coconut in all other forms). The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil (in the form of lauric acid) actually promote weight loss. Try taking 1-2 tbsp. of coconut oil in tea 20 min. before meals. Remember, never heat delicate oils such as olive, flax, and vegetable oils (as a matter of fact, I’d recommend staying away from vegetable oils, period), as they oxidize at higher temperatures. Stick to cooking with coconut oil, butter, ghee, or grass-fed animal fats (bacon fat, lard, etc).

Toxicity

Another main culprit of weight loss resistance is toxicity. This can result from a build-up of external toxins in the body like air and water pollution, chemically derived cosmetics and hygiene products, refined/processed/packaged “foods,” and rancid oils/trans-fats. It can also result from internal toxic build-up, such as waste products of the metabolic process (protein, digestion, stress, acidity), yeasts, molds, fungi, parasites, bacteria, and viruses. All of these can slow thyroid function, therefore slowing our metabolic rate. Liver support/detox is essential.

Sleep

Getting enough sleep is critical! We simply cannot lose weight if we are not sleeping. Lack of sleep affects our sugar metabolism (ever wonder why you are excessively hungry after a night of little sleep?). Our adrenal function is also affected, leading to excess cortisol production (our stress hormone), which alone leads to weight gain, particularly around the mid-section, giving us that ‘spare tire’ look. Balancing all hormones is key.

Carbohydrates

Carbs are certainly not the enemy, but they will lead to weight gain when eaten in excess, even the kinds that are healthy (whole grains, starchy veggies, etc). Carbohydrates spike our blood sugar, leaving us hungrier in a shorter amount of time and burdening our metabolism. Strive to eat starchy carbs like grains, legumes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, breads, pastas, oats, and all refined carbs (just avoid these as much as possible) within 2-3 hours after exercise. This is when our bodies can best metabolize carbohydrates. Outside of this window, focus on fibrous carbs like all other vegetables (think dark leafy greens!), and seasonal fruits (in moderation).

Working with a nutrition professional can help you figure out what your body needs!