NOT LOSING WEIGHT?

There is so much more to losing weight than just the calories you consume.   How many of these things can you change?

1) Too much sodium...
You may be surprised how much salt is in things - sneaky things...The average daily sodium intake for Americans is 3,400 milligrams per day, an excessive amount that raises blood pressure and poses health risks. In general, people should limit daily sodium consumption to 1,500-2,00 milligrams/day.

2) Not tracking accurately... 
IF YOU BITE IT - WRITE IT
When you "cheat" in your tracking - you're only cheating yourself.  Record everything including those little BLT (Bites, licks and tastes) that add up throughout the day - esp if you have kids.

Weigh foods - it is too easy to guess with serving sizes and many are less than what you think.

3) Not drinking enough water...
Many of us do not get enough plain ole water.  The recommended daily amount of water differs depending on who you ask but ranges from 6-8 8oz glasses a day  to 1/2 of your body weight in oz.  Most of us can drink that in soda, juice, coffee, sweet tea but feel like doing that in water is impossible.  I don't drink a whole lot of anything really - and no coffee, tea or soda so I really have to make up my difference with water.

4) Not eating enough... 
I'm not saying eat like a horse or go crazy and eat 4,000 calories a day - but if you can't keep your body fueled, your metabolism slows and you can stall. Skipping meals can be your worst enemy...instead - as weird as it sounds - eat like a HOBBIT!  Small, frequent meals and snacks (every 3-4 hours) until about 3 hours before bed is the way to go.

5) Medication side effects...
Medications can help and hinder us - obviously don't change anything without speaking to your doctor but there are many side issues that could be contributing to your weight stall.

6) Eating out of balance - too many simple carbs and not enough protein...
Many of us have a hard time reconciling eating carbs - but carbs are essential for fuel.  And if you take out carbs and then don't eat enough protein - you are just hungry all the time.

Chips, crackers, popcorn, bread, rice, pasta, potatoes - easy access but you burn through it super fast.  Increase the amount of proteins, good carbs and beneficial fats and you WILL notice a difference.

7) Eating too many "free" food servings...
Whether on plan or not - fruit and vegetables still have calories and many fruits like bananas, guava, papaya and pineapple are very high in sugar which can effect your weight loss.  It doesn't mean don't eat them - you want 2-3 servings of fruit and 4-5 servings of veg a day.  But watch your SERVINGS - a large banana can be 2-3 servings!