Reasons that are keeping you from losing those pounds

Many of us have been in a situation where we're working out, and trying to eat healthy but we just can't shed the pounds. The thing is, weight loss and good health require a combination of lifestyle changes - and even just a few missing links can leave us floundering for answers as to why we're just not feeling better, or losing weight.
In this list we've compiled some of the most common mistakes people make when trying to get, and stay healthy. It really is about leading a balanced lifestyle, and that extends past exercising a few times a week and eating your broccoli. Take a look at the list below to see how you can lead a healthier lifestyle.
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1. You're not working out right 
Just because you work out, doesn't mean you're going to automatically start losing weight. You need to make sure you're doing a good combination of exercises that are going to both gain strength and burn fat. 
Kate Patton, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic, told Health that strength training is a great way to achieve this because muscle burns fat - even when you're not working out. 
2. You aren't hydrated 
Fitness Mag says you should be drinking 8-12 cups of water a day. But drinking water isn't just about filling up so you feel like eating less - staying hydrated helps your body function better by keeping it cool, and even keeping your kidneys and liver running properly. 
Fitness Mag says if you don't drink enough water your liver actually get's overworked and starts storing more fat instead of breaking it down. So drink up!
3. You're not getting enough sleep
Getting some Zs is actually a major part of your diet. A study highlighted in Health illustrates that women who sleep less than 4 hours a night eat 300 more calories, and 21 more grams of fat the next day. Talk about mindless eating.
4. You strictly do cardio
Like we mentioned above, you can't just stick to one workout and expect to lose weight. So while cardio is amazing for your heart, and helps build up some muscle - PopSugar says it's just not enough. You should be working on lifting weights and doing strength training to build muscle mass that'll burn fat long after you've stopped working out.
5. You're ingesting too many processed foods
That stubborn belly-fat might be tied to all the inflammation caused by processed foods like: bread, crackers, chips and those pesky refined sugars which are in everything from soft drinks to desserts. So Health says ditch the processed foods and grab fruits, veggies, and good old whole grains which are packed with anti-inflammatory properties. 
6. You exercise without eating first
You workout to burn fat and calories - but if you're working out on an empty stomach you might just be doing the opposite. PopSugar cites a report that says when you workout on an empty stomach you start burning calories from muscle - not fat. And you need that muscle mass to burn off extra fat - so eat up before you exercise next. 
7. You're not moving enough at work
While you might work out regularly - in the bigger picture you're probably spending most of your time sitting at a desk in front of a computer. In reality, your body isn't getting the exercise it really needs to get, and stay healthy. 
Fitness Mag suggests getting a device that counts your steps or movements to help encourage more activity throughout the day, or just setting an alarm to get up and stretch every hour. 
8. You're not getting the right nutrients 
On paper the gluten-free craze might seem great - but in practice, diets like this where you eliminate an entire food group might be hurting more than helping your health. PopSugar says eliminating an entire food group - like carbs - can just lead to more cravings and even cause deficiencies. So instead of cutting it out, they suggest focusing on whole grains instead of white grains - and to monitor portions.
9. You're not getting the right fats
It's not news that there are good and bad fats - but do you know how to incorporate the good fats into your diet properly? Health says that too much of any fat can increase calorie count and fattiness - but in moderation you should be getting monounsaturated fats found in superfoods like avocados and olive oil, and polyunsaturated fats found in walnuts, sunflower seeds, and salmon. These "good fats" have anti-inflammatory properties and even support heart health.
10. You're stressed out
Cortisol, the hormone you release when you're stressed out, actually triggers your appetite. Health also notes that stress amps up your brain's production of the chemical neuropeptide Y - which actually makes you crave carbs. 
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So find ways to reduce stress in your life by taking time for yourself, and to relax. Your mind and body will thank you.
RemedyDaily.com does not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.