This is a typical cry from many dieters: ‘I don’t understand it. I hardly eat anything, but I am not losing weight.‘ Time and time again, people underestimate what they eat. They see a small portion on their plate but forget how many calories and fat are included. If you have been used to eating large quantities, you might need to know exactly what size you should now.
Even though people underestimate what they eat, they still think, ‘If I cut my eating to 500 calories, then I will be able to lose weight easily.’ This doesn’t seem right. By eating too few calories, your body will be running on empty. It is like trying to run a car with no gas, hoping it can make the 400 miles you want to go.
You will expect your body to perform tasks during the day, but there is no fuel for it. Your body will realize that there is a lack of food here, and everything will go against what you want.
Your brain will say, ‘Store food; starvation, survival is needed.’ Your body will start to react and store the food, converting it to fat, which it will then be able to use when you need the energy.
Now, you have the opposite effect of what you want. Because you are not eating enough, you end up gaining weight. This is why low-calorie or fad diets don’t work. They don’t work because they cause you to gain weight in the long term. Don’t put your body into hunger mode by not eating enough. Learn what you should be eating, and then you will never say, ‘I’m not eating much, but I am not losing any weight.’
A few potential reasons could be at play if you’re not eating much but still not losing weight.
First, you must ensure you’re accurately tracking your food intake. It’s typical for people to underestimate how much they eat, especially if they eat mindlessly or need to measure portions accurately. Keep a food diary or use a food tracking app to better understand how many calories you consume.
Second, consider the types of foods you’re eating. It’s not simply about the amount of food you eat, but also the quality. Processed, high-fat, and high-sugar foods can contribute to weight gain, even if you’re not eating much.
Focus on incorporating whole, unprocessed foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Third, consider your level of physical activity.
Weight loss is ultimately about burning more calories than you consume, so if you’re inactive, you may need to burn more calories to lose weight. Strive for at least 120 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week or 70 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, including walking, running, cycling, swimming, or strength training.
Fourth, your metabolism – the rate at which your body burns calories – can also play a role in weight loss. Various factors, including age, gender, body size and composition, and genetics can influence metabolism. If you have a slower metabolism, it may be more difficult for you to lose weight, even if you’re not eating much.
Fifth, chronic stress or lack of sleep can also impact weight loss. When stressed, your body produces the hormone cortisol, which boosts your appetite and makes you crave unhealthy foods. Sleeping 7-9 hours per night can help regulate appetite and support weight loss.
Speaking with a healthcare provider may be a good idea if you still need to lose weight despite changing your diet and exercise routine. They can help you decide if any underlying health conditions or medical issues affect your weight.
In conclusion, you might not lose weight even if you eat less. Accurate food tracking, a focus on healthy, whole foods, regular physical activity, metabolism, and stress and sleep levels can all play a role in weight loss. If you still have trouble losing weight despite lifestyle changes, please get in touch with a healthcare provider for further guidance.
