Why Can’t I Lose Weight?

With today’s fast-paced lifestyles, we expect immediate gratification…overnight shipping, immediate cash from ATMs, food in 5 minutes or less—and when we want results, we want them now. Unfortunately, our bodies typically don’t react as quickly as we would like. Those extra pounds were added on very gradually…over weeks, months, or even years, but we expect them to come off in hours or days.

Most dieters start out aggressively, but when they don’t see the quick results they expect, they soon fall back on old habits that put the weight there in the first place. This weight loss cycle is discouraging and unhealthy.

So, what is the secret to losing weight and keeping it off?

The best way to lose weight is to take it a step at a time…make gradual changes and make them into lifelong habits. Making simple changes such as eating smaller portions, less snacking, or avoiding high-fat foods are all good places to start. Pick one, and when you have mastered that, add another healthy habit to your routine. Building new, healthier habits will put you well on the way to losing the weight and keeping it off.

But eating right isn’t the entire answer to the weight loss riddle…it’s also important to get moving. Even a small amount of added physical activity will make you feel better and put you on the right track toward losing those extra pounds.

Turn your excuses into reasons for losing weight
We all have excuses for not following a healthy diet. Pick one excuse for not losing weight (and only ONE; remember, gradual change is the key!), and turn it into a reason for losing weight.

Click on the common excuses below and learn how to turn them into reasons for losing weight.

1. Diets don’t work for me; I always gain the weight right back

2. I don’t want to give up my favorite foods

3. I have tried every fad diet and they just don't work for me

4. I don’t have time to diet

5. I don't have the money to buy special foods for a diet

6. I never feel satisfied when I eat and definitely not when I diet

7. I am addicted to junk food; I can’t live on fruits and vegetables alone!

8. I can’t live without salt!

9. It's out of my control; I’m an emotional eater

And the final secret to losing weight…be patient.

Breaking a bad habit takes time. It takes about three months for changes to become a habit. So, go easy on yourself if you slip up once in a while. Good luck!

—Erika Johnson, BS, Dietitian