If you’re like me, the most frustrating thing is when you think you are doing all the right things, and yet the results you want – to get to or stay at an optimal weight, to feel your best, to look amazing, to have all the energy you desire – eludes you.
WHY?
We both know that the whole “calories in, calories out” argument is an overly simplistic view of weight.
There’s definitely more to the story than just what you’re eating, right?
A lot of this comes right down to your metabolic rate which is affected by things like your activity level, history of dieting, body composition, and even what you eat.
But, let’s go beyond the “eat less and exercise more” advice and dive into some of the less obvious underlying reasons why you may be gaining weight even though you’re eating the same.
Things like:
- Aging
- Hormones
- Sleep
- Stress
Aging
Funny things happen the older we get. People commonly experience lower energy levels, more digestive discomfort, weight gain, as well as aches and pains.
Aging can result in hormonal changes for both men and women. And these can contribute to loss of some lean muscle mass, as well as increases and changes in fat storage on our bodies.
The good thing is that, this is very common and not your fault one bit.
Hormones
Your thyroid is the master controller of your metabolism and can be a massive contributor to your weight gain. There are several things that can affect it and throw it off course.
When your thyroid gets off course and produces fewer hormones your metabolism slows down. And when your metabolism slows down you can gain weight. Even though you’re eating the same way you always have.
Pro Tip: Talk with your doctor about having your hormones tested. Oh, and try the thyroid-friendly recipe that I created for you at the end of this post.
Sleep
There is plenty of research that shows the influence that sleep has on your metabolic rate.
And as we age it can become harder and harder to get a good night’s sleep.
The general consensus is to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night to help avoid weight gain.
It’s true! Lack of sleep is linked with weight gain.
Who ever thought you can sleep off your weight?
Pro Tip: Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night. The first place to start is by implementing a calming before bedtime routine.
Stress
It seems to be everywhere! So many things that can cause stress responses in your body.
And you know that stress hormones are not going to help you sustain healthy habits or maintain a healthy weight, right?
While you can’t necessarily change your stressors you can try to adjust your stress response to them.
Pro Tip: Try meditation or yoga. Or even mindful eating. What about those new adult colouring books that are all the rage now?
Conclusion:
There are lots of factors that can affect your weight, even if you’re eating the same way you always have. Aging, hormones, stress, and sleep are all interconnected to each other and can all contribute to weight gain, even if you’re eating the same way you always have.
Veggie Quinoa Sushi
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Quinoa
- 2 Tbsps Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 Cucumber (sliced into strips)
- 1 Avocado (diced)
- 1 Carrot (grated)
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 8 Nori Sheets
- 1/4 cup Tamari
Directions:
- Add quinoa and water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn down to simmer and cover for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar. Set quinoa aside.
- Place nori sheet on bamboo mat. If you don’t have a bamboo mat, use a clean tea towel. Spread two spoonfuls of quinoa over nori sheet then add cucumber, avocado and carrot (and/or other any veggies you love). Roll the sushi. (Note: If you have never rolled sushi, Youtube it. There are a million videos with awesome demonstrations!)
- Using a very sharp knife, slice the filled nori roll into smaller pieces. Sprinkle sushi pieces with cayenne pepper if you want a little spice! Serve immediately with tamari.