Natural Weight Loss - Common Pitfalls

Posted 17 February 2009

Natural weight loss as opposed to extreme diets is what everybody aspires to, but there are common pitfalls to look out for.

If you are hoping to achieve natural weight loss, you need to be aware of some common pitfalls. First off, natural weight loss using a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise is the best way to lose weight and keep it off in the long term. Natural weight loss is also safe and sustainable, ensuring you put your health as well as your vanity, first. It should take about 12 weeks for you to see progress if you are pursuing natural weight loss, and once you've reached this stage, it's a good time to incorporate a few more changes to your exercise regime to keep pushing the bar.

Natural Weight Loss - Factors to be Wary of

If you find that you simply aren't achieving natural weight loss, there are a few factors you could examine to see where you are going wrong.

• Check your BMI, if it’s between 18 and 25 you are at your normal weight, so your body will resist additional weight loss. Ask yourself if you really need any more natural weight loss? It could be a question of simply toning parts of your body with a dedicated exercise or toning regime, rather than losing more weight. Maybe it's time to stop stressing about your weight?
• It sounds crazy, but you could be struggling with natural weight loss because you actually aren't eating enough - our bodies shut down when they feel they are being starved, storing and hanging onto fat.
• Sometimes it isn't simply about diet and exercise, a hormonal problem could be affecting your insulin resistance. Common problems include polycystic ovary syndrome, which makes natural weight loss difficult. If you have suspicions you have PCOS, consult your doctor.
• On a similar note, if you are on any medication and are struggling with natural weight loss despite diet and exercise, you should check the side effects - weight gain could be one such side effect. Seek advice from your doctor about any prescription problems.
• As well as physiological reasons, psychological reasons could be holding back any natural weight loss. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety could stop you from exercising, taking positive action or could even trigger comfort eating. If you believe this is the case, seek medical advice and counselling.

You may not be suffering from a mental health issue, but that doesn't mean you aren't kidding yourself - we're very good at coming up with excuses for why we're not achieving natural weight loss. If you say it's too cold to jog, too wet to walk, too time-consuming to prepare healthy meals...you need to ask yourself some serious questions about how much you want to lose weight - it is, after all, up to you.

For Natural Weight Loss, Choose Fitbug

Fitbug’s "Bug" is a little gadget that allows you to track your calories and steps. Fitbug is an online personal health and well-being coach that is a unique system designed to help you achieve your weight, fitness and health goals within your everyday routine. Why not check out the healthy eating recipes on our website and kick start your healthy eating plan? To find out more, call: 0870 228 4949.