Why You’re Not Losing Weight & 3 Strategies You Haven’t Considered
John Bryant
I help business owners thrive through nutrition, exercise & mindset by giving them tools and strategies they can use for the next 20 years+ without having to go on another diet again. |Nutrition | Diet |
As a business owner, you’re no stranger to challenges, but for some of you, the challenge of managing your weight is an ongoing one, for which at this current moment in time you have not yet found the solution to allow you to balance managing your business and conquering the weight loss goal.
No matter how committed you are or how many diets you’ve tried, it feels like progress is moving at a snail’s pace. You may even start wondering, “What am I doing wrong?”
Here’s the truth: You’re not doing anything wrong, and there’s nothing inherently wrong with you. The good news is that finding the right approach and understanding your unique circumstances is the key to long-term success.
Why Weight Loss Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
The fitness industry thrives on blanket solutions that promise results for everyone. But as an entrepreneur, you know better than anyone that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach in business – and that is also true in weight loss. Every person’s body responds differently to food, exercise, and stress. Some people seem to eat whatever they want and never gain a pound, while others can just look at a dessert and feel like they've gained weight.
For some, weight loss comes easily, while for others (even myself at times), it can feel like a constant uphill battle at times. But knowing this is a good thing – because it allows you to find the strategies that actually work for your body.
Here are three unconventional strategies you might not have considered yet, but that could make all the difference in your journey to shed those extra pounds.
1. Rethink Your Carbs
Carbohydrates are a hotly debated topic when it comes to weight loss. You’ll hear some people swear by cutting carbs completely, while others believe they’re essential. The truth is, neither side has it completely right. It all comes down to how your body handles carbs, and this varies from person to person.
Insulin, a hormone that regulates fat storage, plays a big role here. When you eat carbs, your body releases insulin to help process them. For some people, even a small amount of carbs can spike insulin levels significantly, shutting down their body’s ability to burn fat for hours or even days. For others, the spike is much smaller, and their body resumes fat burning much more quickly.
If weight loss is moving slowly for you, it could be worth adjusting your carbohydrate intake. This doesn’t mean you need to go on a hardcore ultra low-carb or ketogenic diet overnight.
Instead, try removing refined carbs like white bread and pasta for whole grain alternatives. You might also experiment with reducing the number of carb-heavy meals in your day – perhaps swapping out your usual breakfast for a high-protein option like an omelette.
The key is to find the right balance for your body, which may require some trial and error. But once you figure it out, it can have a significant impact on your weight loss journey.
2. Prioritise Your Sleep
As a busy business owner, sleep often takes a back seat. But here’s the kicker: lack of sleep is one of the biggest obstacles to weight loss, and it might be sabotaging your efforts without you even realising it.
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body’s insulin sensitivity decreases – meaning it processes food less efficiently, and more of it is stored as fat. After just a few nights of poor sleep, your insulin levels can resemble those of someone with type 2 diabetes, making it harder for your body to lose weight.
Additionally, sleep deprivation increases your appetite. Studies show that people who don’t get enough sleep eat between 200 and 600 extra calories per day. Not only are you hungrier, but you’re also more likely to crave high-calorie, high-carb foods, which makes staying on track with your nutrition plan even more difficult.
To get your weight loss back on track, prioritise a good night’s sleep. Aim to reset your evening routine so that you can get a good night's sleep, and establish a bedtime routine that helps you wind down.
Just like managing your business efficiently, managing your sleep will have a direct impact on your success.
3. Try Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is a powerful tool that can help accelerate weight loss. The concept is simple: by shortening the window during which you eat each day, you give your body more time to burn fat. When you fast, insulin levels drop, allowing your body to tap into stored fat for energy.
The beauty of intermittent fasting is that it doesn’t require complicated rules or calorie counting. You simply eat during a set time frame, such as an 8-hour window, and fast for the remaining 16 hours. For many people, this means skipping breakfast and only eating lunch and dinner.
Intermittent fasting not only helps lower insulin levels but also makes it easier to control your calorie intake. Oddly enough, once your body adjusts to the new routine, you’ll find that your appetite decreases naturally. Your body gets used to fewer meals, making it easier to stick to your plan.
As with any major dietary change, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before trying intermittent fasting, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. But for many business owners who struggle to find time for complex meal planning, intermittent fasting can be a simple and effective way to lose weight while maintaining focus on work.
Apply the Same Dedication to Your Health as You Do to Your Business
You’ve built a successful business by understanding that sustainable growth takes time, persistence, and the right strategy. Weight loss is no different. By making small but significant changes to your diet, prioritising your sleep, and experimenting with intermittent fasting, you can take control of your weight loss journey and see results that last.
Just like in business, the key is to stay consistent, stay patient, and keep refining your approach until you find what works for you. Your health is one of your greatest assets – invest in it as you would your business, and the results will follow.
Start by treating your health like an investment, just as you do with your business. Take the first step today: reassess your habits, create a plan, and commit to making small but consistent changes. Whether it’s adjusting your nutrition, getting more sleep, or trying intermittent fasting, each action brings you closer to lasting results.
Prioritise your well-being now, and watch how it transforms not only your body but also your performance and success. Reach out today for guidance, and let’s craft a strategy that works for you. Visit https://sites.google.com/view/jbryantcoaching-information/home on how you can change the approach and start the journey to a leaner self. Your future self will thank you when you take some decisive action.