In the past we were advised to eat low fat, high carbohydrate 
foods which has resulted in a population suffering from obesity, heart disease and diabetes. So what is the secret to successful long-lasting weight loss without feeling starved or deprived?
We now recognise that we need to keep carbohydrate intake low and increase our protein and good fats which is similar to our ancestors who were hunters and gatherers.
The reason why most diets fail is that they are too restrictive. Most people cannot maintain them so inevitably they return to their former eating patterns and the weight creeps back on again.
Outlined below are certain factors that can make it harder to lose weight which need to be addressed.
POOR FOOD CHOICES:
Increase protein foods and good fats and reduce carbohydrates. Protein foods satisfy you for longer and promote fat burning whereas carbs that aren’t burnt up with exercise will get store as fat. You can only lose fat if you restrict carbs so that the body has to burn fat for fuel. Eat mainly low G.I. carbs as they contain more fibre thus making them more filling. Don’t eat carbs after 4pm as you’re unlikely to burn them up unless you’re exercising in the evening.
Eat less grains, sugars and saturated fats and eat more fresh fruit and veg (preferably raw), lean proteins, nuts, seeds, legumes, avocado’s, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and coconut oil.
LACK OF EXERCISE:
To maintain weight loss you need to partake in some kind of cardiovascular exercise such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling, for 45-60 minutes most days. Keep exercise varied so that you work different muscle groups, reduce cellulite and so you stay interested. Group classes are great if you lack motivation and pay up front so that you’re committed to turning up!
HORMONAL IMBALANCES:
Low thyroid function causes your metabolism to slow down and results in less energy and motivation. Excess oestrogen in the diet also contributes to fat gain. Oestrogens are found in dairy, meat fats, poultry, soy products, herbicides and pesticides. Only eat organic or hormone-free meats, reduce dairy, limit soy products and increase your fibre. Wash and peel your fruit and veg well if they‘re not organic.
Oestrogens are also found in the oral contraceptive pill and HRT so choose either hormone patches or creams so that the liver doesn’t have to process the oestrogens or better still, choose natural alternatives.
TOXICITY:
Many toxins (including oestrogen) are stored in fatty tissues which cannot be mobilised and excreted from the body unless you do a fat burning diet (such as the Ketosystem) or you do a regular detox. It is important to detoxify both the bowels and liver and try to do a detox every 6 months or so to keep your body burning fat efficiently. Your liver is the major fat burning organ so treat it well!
INFLAMMATION:
Inflammation in the body can make it harder to exercise and systemic inflammation prevents fat burning. Doing a gut detox will reduce inflammation in the body and by treating insulin resistance (an inflammatory disorder) your body will be able to burn fat instead of storing it.
STRESS:
Stress stimulates adrenalin which makes you crave chocolate, sugars and refined carbs. Long term stress results in excess cortisol production which increases fat build up around the waist and promotes fluid retention. Practise meditation or yoga regularly to reduce stress and watch the kilos disappear!
Finally, think positively and ‘think thin’-don’t underestimate the power of your mind!