6 Basic Reasons You're Not Losing Weight

Many of my friends are constantly striving to lose weight, trying this, doing that, and never succeeding in lasting results. Although I don't struggle with my weight, I frequently watch these basic mistakes that should be a lot more common sense than they apparently are. We all want to be supportive of your weight loss, but its hard when you skip the basics.

1. Timing. Making weight loss your New Years Resolution is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. This is the first sign you're going to fail. Do it now! If you are uncomfortable with your body, why make excuses about when you're going to start working on a solution? Think of it this way, the longer it takes you to start, the more weight you're going to have to lose. Start today. Even if you already had 6 pancakes for breakfast, and taco bell for lunch, dinner still has some hope, chose wisely.


2. Stop Eating All Together. This is a horrible idea. You are depriving your body, and trust me; it's going to hold onto every calorie you shove in your face the next time you decide to eat. Not only that, but your stomach shrinks and you will feel and look bloated once you realize you're starving and determine food is a must. Try smaller portions. I eat a lot; however, I eat all throughout the day. Instead of no meals, or 3 big meals, try 5 or 6 smaller servings during the day.


3. It's All For Show. We see all your posts on Facebook, and we get your proud of yourself, but stay consistent! Three healthy meals in the week are awesome and we appreciate seeing the pictures in our timeline, but what about the rest of your meals? No I'm not asking you to post those as well; I'm just saying skip McDonalds even though nobodies watching or will know. You are only cheating yourself. Find a healthier way to indulge in your cravings so you don't feel guilty or discouraged when you experience the need for something less rewarding. Frozen grapes are an excellent substitute for ice cream, homemade smoothies for your sweet tooth, peanut butter on some apples or celery. My favorite, browse Pinterest, there are a lot of really awesome, simple ways to eat healthier and remain happy. Now you can eat healthy ALL of the time, not just when eyes are watching.


4. You're Lazy. All diet and no exercise is another example of why your diet won't last. You will feel all the burden of adjusting your diet and see minimal results therefor discouraging you from proceeding any further. Go for it like you mean it, so when it's hard it's still worth it. Any type of exercise will boost your metabolism helping you reach your goals. Too busy? Stop lying, you can spare 20 minutes a day. And when you are really ready to see improvements you'll find yourself making more time. If the gym isn't your thing, find creative ways around your house or outside to get your work out on. I can't stand repetitive anything, so for me, finding ways to work out without feeling like I'm working out is what's best. I always feel it the next day, and that's the happiest kind of pain.


5. Switching to "Diet". It's awesome advertising, and that's the only positive thing I have to say about "diet" anything. If you have to have soda, fine, but cut back and eventually ditch it all together. Just because the bottle says diet or sugar free and you feel better about yourself for an hour doesn't mean your body is any happier with your decision. Drink water, milk, and orange juice, anything besides soda! I like the flavor of juice, but it's usually too sugary for me, so I act like I'm serving it to a child and add water (or vodka). I also love the carbonation of soda, which is why those flavored/carbonated waters at every grocery store work well for me.


6. Alcohol. Since we're talking about drinks, let's talk about an important one, alcohol. It's perfectly normal to want a drink with dinner, or ten. Go for it. Just look at what you're drinking. One of my biggest pet peeves is girls approaching me with a beer in their hand asking how I stay so skinny. My response is usually, "Try sticking to hard alcohol. You drink less, you avoid the full feeling, and if you drink enough you'll be throwing up everything you weren't supposed to eat today." And then I walk away making them wonder if I'm being serious or not. Well I am for the most part, except the throwing up part, it's not cute I suggest you skip that part. Downing beer after beer is awesome, if you're a dude and/or have no intention of improving your figure. Men can get away with the beer gut thing; it doesn't look as flattering on the female figure. Switch your drink to something a little more forgiving.

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