3 Weight Loss Roadblocks

Written by Branda Polk

The equation for weight loss is simple: eat fewer calories than you burn or burn more calories than you eat. While this may sound simple, there are a multitude of factors that influence successful weight loss. Genetics, motivation, support, commitment, body size, gender, and overall health are just a few of the factors that play a role in how quickly and permanently weight loss occurs. But if you have set your mind on accomplishing better health by losing weight and you still struggle, maybe one or more of these weight loss roadblocks are in your way. Carefully consider whether these roadblocks exist for you and then apply the suggested "Roadblock Retractor" to get it out of your way and keep you moving on the road to a healthier body. 

Roadblock #1: Your TV
Research has proven that while sitting on your couch and watching TV your metabolism actually drops lower than when you are sleeping. Why? Because many TV viewers sit motionless and affixed to the screen. Heart rate drops dramatically, breathing becomes shallow, and muscles relax in a motionless state as you watch TV for extended periods of time. And, to make things worse, many people are prompted to eat while watching TV even if they are not hungry. 

Roadblock Retractor
Budget your TV time to one hour or less each day. Then, as you watch your "must-see" TV shows, do something other than eat. Knit, use exercise equipment like a stationary bike or treadmill, or even chew gum to keep you busy.

Roadblock #2: Your Kitchen Counters and Cabinets
Food that is easily accessible is always the first to be eaten. If the cookie jar, chip bag, or candy dish are attractively displayed on your kitchen counters, guess what — you will grab those foods first when you are bored, stressed, or have a case of the munchies. 

Roadblock Retractor
Of course the best way to stop eating junky foods is to avoid bringing them into the house. But if these foods make it into the kitchen, keep them from the front of your mind by removing them from the front of the cabinets and off the counters. If you must display the cookie jar Aunt Betsy gave you, keep it empty or use it as a coin jar. Place the other snack foods on a high shelf and out of direct view so that you have to be intentional about getting them out. Then, display bowls of fresh fruit on the counter and table to remind you of your commitment to eat healthfully. 

Roadblock #3: Your Shoes
Who knew your foot attire was contributing to your weight issues? Well, consider this: If you wear shoes that are ill-fitting and uncomfortable, you are more likely to stay seated, avoid the stairs, send an email to a nearby coworker, and walk only as much as necessary. Yes, there are times when shoes must be worn for fashion and not function, but consistently wearing painful shoes can permanently damage your feet as well as your waistline.

Roadblock Retractor:
Wear comfortable shoes that will allow you to increase your walking activity during the day. With your comfortable shoes on your feet you can park further from the entrance and walk in, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk to a co-worker's office for a brief meeting, and stand up to talk on the phone. While these activities are not "aerobic," they are active and use calories that wouldn't be normally used. Studies prove that if you live more actively by taking more steps throughout the day you will increase the likelihood of losing extra weight and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Branda Polk, B.S. Exercise Science, is a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, conference speaker and health writer in Lebanon, Tennessee. Sign up for Branda's newsletter, Wellness Connection, to receive encouragement and coaching in the areas of nutrition, exercise, and stress relief. Follow Branda on Twitter.

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