You’ve been eating healthy and working out regularly. But for some reason, the scale is not moving! It’s a common complaint and can be very frustrating. Here are some surprising reasons why you may not shedding pounds despite all your hard work.

You’re eating too little

It’s easy to believe that the less you eat, the more weight you will lose. Yes, reducing calories is key to weight loss, but you also need to keep your metabolism running efficiently. If you’re not eating enough during the day, it will slow your metabolism down and your body will go into “fat saving” mode. Try eating smaller balanced meals every few hours throughout the day, and include fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats.

You're skipping the weight room

Although cardio is essential to losing weight, you also need to lift weights. Don’t be afraid to lift heavy weights, which will give your body the natural ability to burn fat for 24 hours after your workout. To see better results, try including strength training to your routine and switch up your cardio to challenge yourself.

You’re underestimating how much you eat

Do you know how much olive oil is in your salad dressing? It’s easy to unknowingly add extra calories when we “eyeball” portions. Try measuring your portions for a few weeks to become more aware of your actual portion sizes and learn how the portions should actually look.

The "weight" could be muscle mass

If you’ve been hitting the weight room at the gym, the scale might not be moving because you’ve replaced fat pounds with new muscle weight. If you’re looking leaner, but not losing weight, chances are you could be gaining muscle. Yay! The scale is not always the best indicator of how you are progressing. I always recommend seeing how your clothes fit and feel to help measure your improvements.

Opting for lower calorie foods

Choosing foods with a lower calorie count can sometimes be deceiving as they may be loaded with sodium, sugar and chemical additives. Not only are these “light” foods less nutritious, they will taste “lighter" leading you to eat more! Instead, opt for fat free or low fat versions.

Not enough shut-eye

Not getting enough sleep can affect your body’s ability to control it’s appetite. You also need extra energy to keep up with your exercise routine, so try to get at least 7 hours per night.

Remember, don’t always rely on the scale to measure your success. How your clothes fit and how you’re feeling are also great ways to keep you motivated and on-track. Connect with me on my FB page for more health and fitness tips!