Today's Tip: 2 More Reasons the Scale Might Not Be Moving...

So if none of the previous 4 "why the scale is stuck" reasons applied to you, perhaps one of these final two is your tipping point...

You Work Out Regularly
Sounds like an odd reason that you might NOT be losing, doesn't it?  I mean, how can an exercise routine make you gain? First, people have a tendency to eat more when they work out, either because they feel they've earned it or because they're overestimating how much they've burned -- or both. This can be particularly true in the early stages of a fitness program, when your body is getting used to the decrease in calories consumed and the increase in calories burned.  In other words, you are REALLY HUNGRY!! So instead of eating harder (or more), eat smarter.  Eat smaller meals throughout the day, keeping your body fueled.  Don't go longer than 2-3 hours without eating something - and something good!  A complex carb & protein combination at every snack/meal is a great goal.  If you need help with a daily food plan, call me!!

One other note: working out can make you retain water. According to Dr. Michele S. Olson at Auburn University, "The plasma in your bloodstream will store an extra two to four pounds of water to ensure that you don't get dehydrated.  You'll always carry that extra water unless you become inactive; it's not fat or muscle, but simply superhydration. It's a good thing." So...it's also a good thing to keep chugging H2O, which can, counterintuitively, help minimize additional water retention. So take her advice - stay active AND well-hydrated.

Lastly, Are You a Stress Case?
Do you turn to comfort food and pack on pounds when you're under duress? The stress hormone cortisol triggers that "fight-or-flight response".  It's is an appetite stimulant, it increases cravings for carbohydrates & can slow your metabolism.  And, excessive stress causes fat to be stored in the abdominal area, where weight is typically harder to lose. 

But wait - there's good news!  Exercise reduces stress, and balanced, nutritious meals can repair the damage that stress does to the body.  If you work out with a trainer, a buddy or a group, that social support network also helps. So enlist a workout buddy or an accountability parter, and reap the benefits of that support network.