Why am I not losing weight?

If you've been following my posts you've noticed a pattern of experimentation with different tactics to help me lose weight.  Some have helped me more than others but I am still finding it super hard to lose weight.  I mentioned that I went to the doctor and have mild anemia which explains why my energy level has been so low.  I also noticed an increase in appetite which can be a few things; I think mainly because I'm not getting enough of the nutrients my body needs (which at this point could be more fiber and iron).

I've been doing some research on anemia and also hormonal imbalances.  An important piece of information I stumbled upon was something called "Leptin Resistance".  From my research I understood Leptin to be a hormone which lets the brain know if the body has enough fat to survive.  Our bodies don't want us to starve so it stores fat for when it needs it most.  However, with "Leptin Resistance" the brain is unable to receive the message from the Leptin, letting it know the body has enough fat stored for later use.  Since the brain doesn't get the message it thinks the body needs more fat, therefore increasing appetite.  I'm not a medical expert but I think that's the most basic explanation of LR I understood.

I also learned there's no quick fix to removing the LR.  I am going to do more research on ways to get balanced and finally lose this weight once and for all.  It's almost sad that I have to do this on my own, having a doctor and all.  From my experience, traditional medicine is all about a quick fix and easy answer.  My doctor saw me and immediately labeled me "obese", as well as wrote down a list of potential problems I might have, including hypothyroidism.  Not once did he mention anything about my hormones, even after I mentioned having low energy and increase in appetite.  He just assumed I'm fat so I overeat naturally. Don't get me wrong, he's a nicer doctor than I've had in the past, but still has that same quick solution mentality. Anemia wasn't even one of his original reasons why I might be having low energy, that is until my blood tests came back.  Thankfully nothing else was abnormal; no high cholesterol or anything like that.  He wanted to suggest I speak to a nutritionist but I told him I wrote off traditional nutritionists a long time ago.  All they know how to do is go by a food pyramid which is a "this works for everyone" solution, and it really isn't. Every body is different and every body needs it's own, individual food guideline.  A traditional nutritionist will suggest you "eat this" and "stop eating that", oh and don't forget to count your calories!  But what I need is someone to say, hey have you looked into this as a reason for why you're not losing weight?  Someone to suggest something other than "diet and exercise" or "willpower" as the solution.

This is why I've adopted a holistic approach to weight loss.  I want to look at the big picture rather than just a small piece of the puzzle.  I've been struggling with my weight and body since I was about 10 years old. Prior to my 30's weight loss was about my self-esteem and body image; it was about how I was perceived in the world.  Now I want to understand my body for myself; I'm taking a more introspective approach. Because I've become more in tune with my body and have learned to listen, I can now understand more of what's going on and why I'm not seeing the results I am working towards.  I actually wrote a quick e-book called "Greens on the Side" which is available when you subscribe to my mailing list.  I share how I got started by just taking simple steps to lead a healthier lifestyle.  You don't have to make a drastic change, you can just change step-by-step.  Check it out!

P.S: I'll keep you posted on what I discover about LR!

By the way, have you checked out my FREE E-BOOK? It's called "Greens on the Side" and will help you get started with your weight loss goals in just 5 easy steps.  Check it out!