3 Unusual Reasons Why You’re Not Losing Weight

3 Unusual Reasons Why You’re Not Losing Weight

 

Hey guys!

Today I want to share with you 3 unusual reasons why you’re not losing weight. Remember when I went to the doctors (1 western medicine and 1 eastern medicine) to get my cortisol levels checked and I discovered that my lack of sleep was negatively affecting my lower belly fat? It was so insane that I started obsessively researching all sorts of other ways you could be plateauing even if you are 100% training hard and eating clean!

Stressed

1. You’re stressed out!

Have you ever noticed that when you’re stressed you tend to gravitate towards comfort foods? Think finals time in college or high school! The stress hormone “cortisol” is actually an appetite stimulant. So the more stress you’re under, the more cortisol you have, and the more bad food you’re going to crave. IN ADDITION, this also increases the production of a brain chemical called Neuropeptide Y which increases your cravings for carbs, specifically!

Ok but get this. Even if you’re under stress but can still make good decisions, the extra cortisol can stall your weight loss. Too much cortisol slows down your metabolism!

The increase in cortisol is directly related degrading muscle tissue while encouraging extra fat to be stored in your lower belly area. So try to exercise and surround yourself with people who make you happy to decrease your stress levels.

sleep cat

2. You’re Not Getting Enough Sleep!

This is personally one that affects me. When you don’t sleep enough, not only do you increase your levels of cortisol, you also DECREASE your levels of growth hormone. Growth hormone has the opposite effect of cortisol. It encourages fat loss, it supports your immune system so you don’t get sick, and it keeps your organs functioning properly.

Sleep also helps balance the hormones that control hunger. That’s why you can go to bed hungry and wake up not hungry.

On the other hand, if you miss a night’s sleep you are more likely to eat more calories the next day. It’s different for every person but try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

pupcup

3. You Don’t Drink Enough Water

You hear me tell you all the time to drink more water! (Not what pup here is drinking!)

But I’m not just telling you to drink more water to fill your belly so that you’re less likely to overeat, I’m telling you that because there’s something more.

When you’re dehydrated, your kidneys can’t function properly so then the body is forced to turn to the liver for extra support. Your liver is responsible for the metabolism of fat, which means fat cannot be metabolized as efficiently when your liver has to work twice as hard to remove toxins. Then because the liver is being overworked, the fat you consume is stored rather than burned off.

Also, if you’re eating healthier, this may mean that you’re also increasing your fiber intake. The dangerous thing with that is this…if you’re not drinking enough water you will be constipated! Imagine fiber as a bulking agent that travels down your intestines grabbing everything along the way. But if there’s nothing to help push it down, like water, then you’re going to get this huge bulk stuck in your intestines. It feels nasty, you feel lethargic, and you will look extremely bloated!

I personally try to drink 2-3 L of water a day. The whole 8 cups a day thing only applies to women who are sedentary. But I know you workout! So drink until your pee is clear!

So now that you’ve heard of the reasons why you can’t lose weight, want to learn how you can?

In addition to training hard to build muscle, eating clean to lose fat, and sleeping to recover, you need that inner fire, that inner motivation that keeps you going when you want to quit.

So guess what guys! This coming February I want you to join in on the Blogilates Hot Body Challenge if you’re seriously looking for a new way to get motivated to lose weight. If you want some extra motivation to finally get that body you want, this is your chance to do it with all of your fellow POPsters!

If you’ve never played the Dietbet game before, let me explain the rules!!

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1. Bet $30 that you will lose weight in a month.

2. Lose 4% of your current weight in 4 weeks by using by working out, eating clean, and sleeping! Follow my workout calendar and also use my meal plans!

3. The official weigh-in on Feb 2.

4. The official weigh-out is on March 1.

If you lose at least 4% of your weight by the end of the game, you will win your $30 back PLUS a share of the total pot! The pot has gotten to over $150,000 before so work hard!!

You can join the game by signing up right here!

Ok guys! Have a beautiful rest of your weekend! Let me know if you have any questions!

love-cassey-transparent-150px

26 thoughts on “3 Unusual Reasons Why You’re Not Losing Weight”

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  1. Cathycat says:

    What about if you feel sick when you drink water? I mean, I usually drink…around 2-3 glass of water a day and thats the top. Sometimes I think about it then try to drink a glass of water while I don’t feel thristy and that only makes me feel a sick feeling like nausea.

    1. Myob says:

      Hi. The reason you feel sick drinking water is because of all the chemicals in it try either : Bottled at spring bottle water ; Boiling normal tap water then freezing it or better still gather some rain water (unless you live in a busy city) and boil that just in case of germs hope this helped ^0^

  2. I like Michelle never thought sleep can be a factor. I have only been able to get 4 hours of sleep (my body wakes itself it) so I’m not quite sure what my solution could it. Thank you for the article Cassie.

    http://www.swingrealestate.net

  3. Great insights Casey. It’s so easy to forget you need to keep your lifestyle balanced with good sleep and reducing stress and having enough water. In my sport science degree I learnt that they kind of all go hand in hand.

    You body is over 90% water so it’s the most important nutrient. Even slight losses make your body work harder which means it’s more stressed. If you’re stressed you pretty much always have trouble sleeping and if you don’t sleep well then you’re body doesn’t maintain itself well so normal weightloss gets stalled.

    You put it really simply and clearly. Great post

  4. Mariam says:

    Cassey, will you still make a workout calender for those who can’t do it? Like a February one?

  5. Lisa says:

    Hi Cassey, you are such an inspiration!Also, could you please do a metope in Malibu, CA? It would be so much fun! Thanks for considering it! 🙂

  6. saleha says:

    do you have to be 18 to do the dietbet?

  7. Iulia says:

    The idea of the bet is great for people wanting to loose weight. Unfortunately, not everybody is on that path. Could we please have another 30 day challenge for the rest of us that don’t need to shed the extra pounds but rather tone. I absolutely love the 30 day Flat Abs Challenge.
    Thanks for being so awesome in helping us getting fit and happy 🙂

    1. Nicki says:

      I’m right there with ya’!

  8. William says:

    Sleep is definitely my biggest issue. I’ve found that getting up at the same time everyday helps (I enjoy a lie-in at weekends, but still get up at a decent time). I’ve also cut down my coffee and replaced it with green tea.

  9. Amy says:

    Hi Cassey,
    I really want to join the dietbet but I am worried that I will not lose any weight because I really just want to exercise to gain muscle, build strength, endurance, and flexibility. Do you think that we will lose weight if we are gaining muscle? Thanks! I love your blog/program so much!

  10. Rina says:

    What if we can’t afford the hot body meal plan? I really want to join but I thought she was bonn a make another free one. Even though I know she does a lot for us already

  11. gailavon says:

    I knew sleep was a factor but what can an insomniac do? I average 5 hours of sleep a night which is an improvement over the 2 to 3 hour i was getting two years ago. I will work on it . thanks so much. Really enjoy your blogs!

  12. Nicki says:

    Hi Cassey, I would love to join this but actually need to gain some weight, not lose it. Can I still join? I do have some friends that I think might be interested in doing it though. How would I join with the idea of gaining 3lbs? and invite my friends to do it?

  13. Hi Cassey! Ohhhh how important water and sleep are for the body. I really think a good night’s sleep and being hydrated can help a person solve so many problems. Thanks for this good reminder! 🙂

  14. Lynn says:

    What a great, informative blogpost Cassey! You’re such an inspiration as always to me!

  15. I am in bed for 7-8 hours but never seem to get a restful night sleep!

  16. Josie says:

    Can you do the diet bet if you live in the UK?

  17. Cate says:

    I can definitely vouch for the lack of sleep being a cause, since I’ve gotten into a better sleep routine I’m definitely noticing an improvement. I always make sure to drink lots of water to and if I get bored I drink either green tea or add a squeeze of lemon into it xoxo

  18. Lilian says:

    Thank you For the reminder! Cool bever voice- over haha Xx Lilian

  19. great things to keep in mmd – I find sleep is crucial for me. helps reduce stress too! xx

  20. Elin says:

    Is it possible to join the dietbet even though I really don’t need to lose weight? (If I lost 4% of my weight I would be underweight)
    Thank you for always being awesome ^^

  21. It’s crazy hoe much stress and sleep affect weight loss. one thing I need to work on is drinking more water too, I’m thinking if getting a Davies tea bodum but they don’t sell those anymore!

  22. Michelle L. says:

    Ahhh this is crazy – I never thought sleep can be a factor. But my work relies on late nights (like you), so I’m trying very hard to change that too. Thanks for the tips Cassey! See you at DietBet!

    http://www.coquettishmish.com

  23. Rachel says:

    Casey will you still be doing a meal plan?? Thanks ilysm!