This article appeared  in the NZHerald on 7 November – it outlines why many of us struggle to lose weight.

Here is an overview of the content plus some extra thoughts from me.

Its not all about calories in calories out. This is a very simplistic view of how the body works. There are so many things that can influence how your body works and put roadblocks up as far as losing weight goes. The focus we place on eating, restriction, denial and extreme amounts of exercise can work against us in the long run. The more you stress your body, the more it will resist changing.

We tend to be either ‘on’ or ‘off’ an eating program all the time. We have good eating weeks and bad weeks. How we view food influences how you will eat. On the wagon, off the wagon….. where did the wagon come from and who invented it?? It doesn’t exist, it’s just another way to make you feel bad about yourself if your eating is not ‘perfect’ for that week.

The focus needs to come off how much you weigh, and move to how well is your body functioning. Look at how strong you are;  do you have good muscle mass? It is so much more important to be strong and healthy rather than thin and unhappy. The more muscle mass you have the more calories your body will burn, therefore boosting the metabolism. The more efficient your metabolism the better your body will function.

When you feel good you have positive thoughts, and this will translate into your body responding to change more efficiently.

Dieting doesn’t work, you need to change your lifestyle permanently so that you eat nutritious food the majority of the time. Consistency is the key.

Indulgences are OK sometimes, enjoy them, and then carry on with your usual healthy eating for long term good health.

Here is the link to the article if you would like to read it – Explained: The reasons you are struggling to lose weight