You’re Gaining Weight Even Though You Eat Healthy — Here’s Why?

You might be eating all right things, but that still doesn’t mean you’re losing weight. You might even be gaining weight! So what’s going on? A few possible explanations for why you do not see the results you expect, despite a healthy diet.

It can be concerning and frustrating to eat healthily but still gain weight.

You may be wondering how you may be eating what is supposed to be a balanced diet, but the number on the scale is slowly creeping up.

The truth is, there are many reasons why this can happen. Sometimes, it’s because of hidden sources of sugar or carbs in supposedly healthy foods.

Other times, it’s because of hormonal changes or other medical conditions.

Whatever the reason may be, don’t get discouraged!

You can usually figure out why you’re not losing weight and correct the problem with some detective work.

Increased calorie intake

You could be packing on the pounds without even realizing it.

How is that possible? It all comes down to increased calorie intake.

Just because you’re eating healthy foods doesn’t mean you’re taking in fewer calories. Some so-called “healthy” foods are pretty calorie-dense.

A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics looked at the calorie intakes of more than 1,500 adults who reported eating a balanced diet.

The researchers found that nearly half of the participants were still gaining weight, even though they reported eating a healthy diet.

The reason? They were taking in too many calories. So just because you’re eating healthy doesn’t mean you can eat whatever you want.

Calories still count, no matter what food group they come from.

Lack of sleep

Believe it or not, sleep deprivation can cause you to gain weight.

When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates your appetite.

You’re also more likely to snack on unhealthy foods when exhausted.

Lack of sleep also harms your metabolism and can lead to fat storage.

It’s essential to get at least seven hours of sleep per night to maintain a healthy weight.

Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and relaxed for the best possible sleep environment.

Stress

It’s no secret that stress can wreak havoc on your body — it’s been linked to everything from heart problems to digestive issues.

But what you might not know is that it can also cause you to gain weight. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can increase your appetite and make you more likely to store fat.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to combat stress and its effects on your weight.

Practices like yoga, meditation, and journaling can help soothe your mind and keep your stress levels in check.

And if you find that stress is a constant issue for you, it might be helpful to see a therapist or counselor who can help you learn better coping mechanisms.

Hormonal imbalances

A variety of factors — including stress, lack of sleep, and hormonal imbalances — can affect your weight, even if you’re eating a balanced diet.

Hormonal imbalances are one of the most common causes of unexplained weight gain, especially for women.

When your hormones are out of balance, it can be challenging to lose weight, no matter how well you eat.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalances can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, and problems with concentration and memory.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to see a doctor determine whether you have a hormonal imbalance.

Once it’s diagnosed, many treatment options are available that can help restore your hormones to balance and help you lose weight.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many reasons why you might be gaining weight, even when you eat a balanced diet.

Sometimes it’s difficult to determine the root cause of the problem, but with some detective work and some simple changes, you can start to see results.

If you’re struggling with weight gain and feel like you’ve tried everything, it might be time to consult a professional.

A qualified health coach or nutritionist can help you determine the root cause of your weight gain and develop a plan to address it.