Did you, like millions of others, make a new year’s resolution to lose weight, eat healthy and exercise more? Now, you’re almost 4 weeks into January, you can’t remember the taste of a cookie, and you haven’t lost a pound! Super bowl Sunday is coming up (GO PATS!) and you sense a chicken wing or 12 in your future. You may feel like giving up. DON’T QUIT YET! Weight is tricky. It is not just eliminating one type of food and having the results of your dreams. It is a lifestyle overhaul. Losing weight can depend on many factors. We all know that WHAT you eat is important but even if you are eating healthy foods there can be too much of a good thing. Get familiar with how many calories you take in during the day. You’ll be surprised how fast they add up.
Are you sleeping well? Weird question to ask in regards to weight, but how you sleep can impact what you weigh. In recent studies, sleep deprivation has been linked to obesity. This is due to a variety of reasons from the hormonal changes that occur to lack of energy and motivation.
Could your weight issue be coming from your medications? Some medications tend to cause more weight gain than others. (**do not stop your medications but do contact your provider with questions**)
Are you stressed? Of course you are! We all are! Chronic stress can trigger a cascade reaction that can lead to weight gain over time.
Are you exercising? The CDC recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity exercise (health permitting).
Listen, we all need to indulge here and there. Have that super bowl chicken wing! Just be prepared on Monday to resume working towards a happier, healthier you. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Call the office for a consultation with one of our health care professionals to help you finally keep that new year’s resolution.
