Why Can’t I Lose Weight?
Seven Steps to Getting and Keeping Fat Off!

“I barely eat anything and I am still gaining weight! Why?” I hear this often in my job as a Wellness Coach and Metabolic Typing Advisor. Excessive weight gain can be both an aesthetic issue and a very serious health issue. However, it is an issue that can very easily be addressed and corrected if you simply follow these seven simple steps.

1. Set written, measurable, achievable Goals: By setting WRITTEN and ACHEIVABLE weight-loss and fitness goals you will reinforce what you want in your subconscious mind. You will also see how well the actions you are taking are working - or not working which will require changes in your effort. Stating your goals specifically also helps you know when you have met them. For example, “Lose 15 pounds by November 30th” is preferable to “lose weight” which is too general. You may want to consult a fitness professional to aid you in setting realistic goals so that you can make progress and reinforce success as well.
2. Get Metabolically Typed: Metabolic Typing is the science of discovering the way in which your body produces energy from food. Once you have been metabolically typed, your specific dietary needs can be identified. You will know exactly how much protein, fat, and carbohydrates your body requires to be adequately fueled and to reduce excessive fat storage. Metabolic typing can also identify foods which may be causing you to store excessive body fat and causing you to lose energy.
3. EAT: Not eating enough food is quite often the cause of weight gain. You should eat at least five times every day: three balanced and healthy meals and two healthy snacks. Eating frequently prevents hunger that causes overeating, maintains a constant energy level throughout the day and keeps your metabolism working. Not eating causes your body to store anything you eat in the form of fat as reserve for energy.
4. Check Your Hormones: Women are quite familiar with getting their reproductive hormone levels checked but are not aware that adrenal hormones can affect weight. When the adrenals are out of balance they release excessive cortisol, which results in weight gain, regardless of food intake! A simple saliva test can show with great accuracy the function of your adrenal glands. Stress, sugar, alcohol, and lack of sleep are some factors that tax the adrenals.
5. Reduce Emotional Stress: Emotional stress can cause weight gain regardless of food intake. Many people don’t realize that undealt-with emotions affect the body and its regulatory systems, throwing it out of balance. Doing a meditative class, yoga, or some form of life coaching can give you the tools to deal with emotions and offer proper coping skills to minimize life’s stressors. This alone has caused many of my clients to shed pounds quickly.
6. Find Several Forms of Exercise You Enjoy: If you can find a class you like, a physical activity you enjoy, a trainer you connect with, or any activity that you find fun and enjoyable, you will be more likely to be consistent with exercising and stick with it in the long haul. If you are easily bored, vary your exercise routine. Moving is the key to keeping your body strong and fit. Keep it up!
7. Ask For Help: Find an accountability partner to help you with your food and exercise. Ask friends and family to exercise with you. Hire a personal trainer or coach to motivate you. Join a class to make new friends and get fit at the same time! When we create a support system for our health we are much more likely to be compliant and reach our goals.

Scott Shafer is a Wellness Coach, Metabolic Typing Advisor, and Personal Trainer

Once you have set you specific weight loss goal keep track of the results of your efforts to increase your exercise intensity and your improved eating habits. Create a diary of your progress, including the decrease in dress and pants size. The results will motivate you. If you prefer to keep your diary online try www.fitday.com.