A person can have many worries over their diet; is it the right one for you, is it healthy for your body type, etc. And through all of these worries, you can generate a lot of stress over whether or not your diet is actually working out for you. Sure, sometimes the diet you pick up works a treat and you see results straight away! But more often than not, you have to do a lot of tweaking to get the right nutrient profile for your brain and body. So, with this in mind, let’s go through some of the most common reasons a diet doesn’t ‘work’, and what you can do to make a change for the better.
You Still Feel Hungry
Sure, you’re on a diet, and you’re looking to create a calorie deficit, but that doesn’t mean you’re meant to go hungry! A diet is there to support your body, and ensure you feel good and comfortable within it. However, if you’re following a diet that leaves you craving for foods on a long term basis, there’s a good chance your diet isn’t actually working.
Because not only will you be more susceptible to ‘cheating’, but you’ll also be pushing your body into ‘starvation mode’. This will make it much harder to lose weight, as your body is now specifically trying to hold onto those pounds to stay strong.
You’re Not Taking the Necessary Supplements
Supplements are necessary in many different diets, and there’s always a recommended tablet to take depending on which method you’re following. For example, if you’re on the Keto diet, it’s a good idea to look into supplements such as sodium beta hydroxybutyrate. Your body produces this naturally, but when you’re trying to lose weight via fat control, rather than using glucose, an extra helping hand goes a long way!
Similarly, no matter what kind of diet you’re on, it’s a good idea to take vitamin and mineral supplements, to ensure you’re never entering a nutrient deficit, even in the short term. Of course, always talk to a doctor about the potential supplements you need to take, but this is a good general rule for keeping an eye on consuming the right things, even if you’re not eating as many calories as usual.
You’re Not Doing the Right Exercise
Finally, if you’re someone who’s suddenly taken on a routine of high intensity, 5 times a week workouts, it might be a good idea to cut back. After all, your body isn’t used to this kind of exercise, and suddenly jumping into it isn’t going to do you any favors.
Instead, it’s best to try and exercise 3 – 4 times a week, doing moderate to heavy circuits that incorporate both gentle AND high intensity movements. Combine this kind of workout with your diet and you’ll notice results in short order.
Your diet might not be working for a variety of reasons, so study those above and see which best fits.