Why Can’t I Lose Weight? | A Nutrition Educator’s Answer

By Jackie Cartier
June 15, 2017

We’ve been putting our nutritionists and dieticians to the test with questions about nutrition, client success stories, frequently asked questions and food struggles. Today we’re turning the tables on the nutrition educators who teach many of our classes, from series like the Nutrition 4 Weight Loss Program and Weight & Wellness Series to our one-time classes on everything from gut health to menopause. These talented teachers get to know a lot of clients seeking to improve their health. As a result, they also hear questions that naturally come up on the often long and confusing road to improved wellness.

To kick us off, we asked Rhonda Lajko what question she frequently hears and of course, how does she answer?

Why is it so hard for me to lose weight?

For most people, weight loss is a side effect of a healthy body. As hard as it is to be patient, our bodies strive for health before weight loss can occur. If you have had a history of dieting, are on medications or had unhealthy eating habits in the past, it can take a while for your body to let go of your excess weight. Your body needs to heal before it is willing to work on losing weight. As Nutritional Weight & Wellness dietician JoAnn says, “… slower weight loss is more permanent.”

healthyeating.jpgIt helps to think of weight loss like a long row of dominoes. Once the first one is set in motion it affects the next and the next, until the entire configuration is knocked over. While you’re eating well and in balance like we teach in our classes, shift your focus to feel positive about what you are experiencing. Each time you experience fewer aches and pains, clearer thinking, being calm and in control of your emotions, fewer headaches or digestive issues, remember that you are healing your body and are on the path toward your ultimate goal of losing weight.

What would you like to ask a nutrition educator? Let us know by commenting below, and we’ll be sure to chime in! Better yet, ask your questions in person through our array of nutrition classes located online and across the Twin Cities.

For more questions and answers, see our blog series on what our nutritionists are frequently asked.

 

About the author

Jackie Cartier is Content Strategy Manager for Nutritional Weight & Wellness. She was once a client, seeking natural solutions to her achy runner knees and hormonal imbalances. From then she was hooked and eventually ended up on their team, spreading the real food message on the blog and through social media. 

View all posts by Jackie Cartier

Comments

Kay Kasel
Do you give RN CEU's for the Weight Loss Series?
June 15, 2017 at 11:15 pm

admin

No, CEU's are not applicable to Nutrition 4 Weight Loss, but nurses do get 14.4 CEU's for the Weight & Wellness Series. 

Sheri Kanz
I know fat burners are totally out of the question when it comes to losing weight/fat. I was told that the CLA supplement is a better way to go along with exercise of course., Your thoughts on this?

June 16, 2017 at 5:47 pm

admin

Before supplementing to get your body to lose weight, ask yourself these questions: Am I sleeping 8-9 hours per night? Am I eating a balanced diet of real foods where meals consist of healthy protein, veggies, fat, and moderate carb? Am I exercising? Am I avoiding sugar and alcohol? Do I have good energy? If yes to the above, you may not need CLA to lose weight. Some research is showing CLA supplementation to be effective for fat loss, so if you have all the above in place and you've reached a plateau, try it. With that said, there is no supplement that substitutes for diet and lifestyle changes.     

Suzanne
I am a 70 year old woman. How many calories do I need each Dat and how many grams protein?
June 22, 2017 at 12:15 pm

admin

We don’t recommend counting calories, instead focusing on the quality of food you’re eating (real food). It’s hard to give an amount of protein without knowing more about you, it would be best to make an appointment to get more individualized recommendations. For now aim for 3-4 ounces of animal protein at meals (after it’s cooked) and 1-2 ounces at snacks.

D
I can't lose weight no matter how hard I try. Year after year I keep on remaining obese or even becoming more obese than I was the year before and the year before that ! I just spent $45 I didn't even have on Weight Watchers monthly pass and I now weigh more than I did when I spent the money. I gained back all the weight that I lost and even more. It was like a huge slap in the face. Even as I'm typing this write now I'm crying. I just don't know what to do anymore. I just feel like just throwing in the towel and quitting but if I do I know I will become 500 lbs in 4 more years. I even weigh more right now than I did when I joined weight watchers in 2014 ! I just can't lose any weight. I'm just tired of wasting my money if I never do a complete 180 degrees with my weight and instead I just keep regaining back all the weight I worked so hard to lose and even extra! I just don't know what to do anymore.
June 30, 2017 at 11:22 am

admin

We're very sorry to hear about your struggle, but it's not an uncommon one. We've heard similar from clients who are new to Nutritional Weight & Wellness. We'd highly encourage you to sign up for a nutrition consultation with one of our nutritionists or dieticians, https://www.weightandwellness.com/counseling/. They work one on one with you to learn about your health history and unique biochemistry. There is hope, we can help. Give us a call at 651-699-3438 to discuss how the consultations work. 

Jan C
Does the HCG diet help or hurt in the long run. I would like to do this to jump start my diet/weight loss
July 7, 2017 at 11:08 am

admin

Several of our nutritionists have worked with clients who have tried the HCG diet. In the end it is highly detrimental to your metabolism.  

Leslie kokesh
I've recently changed my eating in a drastic way, following your principles, which are those of my trainer as well. (fat 40% protein 30% carbs 30%). I've done this since mid-April. I strength train 30 mins/3 times per week with my trainer, and I'm active. Sleeping well thanks to 5-HTP and magnesium (from your podcasts!). I am not losing pounds yet and wonder if I should try MCT oil. What are your thoughts--does it help weight loss and how. I remember Nell talking about it in a podcast!
June 15, 2018 at 10:38 am

admin

MCT oil is kind of healthy fat that our livers process and use for energy quicker than fats from other foods like avocados or butter. Some people also notice that it helps suppress their appetite for longer than some other kinds of fats. So yes, MCT oil can be a great addition to a mug of coffee or on a salad and may help with weight loss.

If your progress continues to stall, consider booking a nutrition consultation. An experienced nutritionist or dietitian can help you take a deeper look into some metabolic or biochemical reasons why the scale is not moving.

RS
What's your thoughts on keto diet? I need to jolt myself into a new metabolic state or something to get the weight to start coming off?
July 2, 2019 at 7:54 pm

admin

Have you looked into taking our Nutrition 4 Weight Loss program? This program is a practical and back-to-basics approach to eating. In 12 weeks, we teach you how to use real food nutrition to heal your body and reach your goals while creating healthy habits to keep you moving forward. This course offered both in person and online and includes 2 one hour one-on-one nutrition appointments to customize the program to your unique needs.

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