Diet
This is without a doubt the most common reason we tend to get stuck at a particular weight. Much of this is because we don’t tend to eat the same things at the same times every day so it becomes difficult to monitor exactly what we are consuming. We may feel as though we are “eating healthy” but we may be consuming far more calories than we actually realize. So the first step in your investigative process is to keep a food journal. Write down absolutely everything you consume for a full week, or preferably for a full month. You can use ShapeFit’s free diet journals to track your food intake.
Eat at Home
This is sort of an extension to the above section but I think it deserves its own emphasis because it’s so beneficial to prepare your own food. First of all it gets you into the habit of shopping for your own groceries. This is a very educational process in and of itself. Every trip to the grocery store (and preferably a Farmers Market) is an opportunity for us to learn more about the food we are eating. We learn to read labels, find what produce is in season, see the difference between organic and non-organic produce, and how to choose fruits and vegetables that are of the highest nutrition. This process keeps us actively involved in our nutrition. It also gives you control of what goes into the preparation of the foods you put into your body. Often times, restaurants add a lot of extra salt, additives, sauces and oils as well as overcooking many of the vegetables.
Sleep
Sleep is an area we often overlook because in today’s world we are expected to always be on the go. But a lack of consistent, good sleep wreaks havoc your body. When the body isn’t well rested it releases stress hormones, such as cortisol, that leave you bloated and craving comfort foods. This makes sense because what do we want to do after eating a bunch of comfort food? Sleep! It’s as if the body is tricking you into doing what it needs you to do. So try to keep your sleep consistent for the best results.
Hydration
Often times when we snack, we are actually thirsty as opposed to being hungry. So making it a habit to stay hydrated is very beneficial for suppressing cravings. Also, when the body is dehydrated it has a tendency to hold water as a sort of emergency reservoir. This water retention can add a lot of extra weight and give the appearance of body fat. A fully hydrated body however, is very efficient at flushing excess water.