8 reasons why you’ve suddenly gained weight
Picture this. You’ve stepped on the scales and see that SOMEHOW you’ve suddenly gained weight. Not a fun time, right?
Even if you have been seeing awesome results since eating better, moving more and following the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, there can be many factors WHY you’ve noticed the number on the scales go up.
We explore 8 of these reasons here.
8 reasons why you’ve suddenly gained weight
1. It’s a thyroid problem
Have you been eating well and exercising and yet you’ve STILL put weight on? You may have hypothyroidism which happens when your thyroid gland is sluggish and can lead to unexpected weight gain. If you’re experiencing this along with fatigue, heavier or irregular periods and chilliness, consider seeing your doctor.
2. It’s that time of the month
Periods can be SO annoying, and they could be contributing to your weight gain. When we’re PMSing, we tend to feel bloated and reach for the chocolate, crisps and all those other unhealthy foods. So it’s natural to gain a few pounds in such a short space of time.
3. Water retention
If you’re eating too much salt, the body retains water. This will result in that unpleasant bloated feeling and it will possibly make you gain more weight. Not only that, but that bloating can stay on for a few days and if you’re dehydrated when you weigh in, that’ll make that number on the scales higher.
4. Stressed or depressed
When we’re feeling under pressure or depressed, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. High levels of cortisol have been linked to weight gain as well as chronic inflammation, premature ageing and many cancers, so remember to take time for yourself and try to relax when you can. Try yoga for a calming workout or just meditating with our Mind Body Breath sessions on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.
5. Your birth control
Depending on the brand, dosage and hormone levels, your birth control may have an impact on your weight. If you’re new to a type of birth control and have suddenly gained weight, check with your doctor to explore other options.
6. Not eating the right nutrients
You may be eating healthily, but if the nutrients aren’t properly absorbed then you won’t get the full effects. For instance, some vitamins including A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble so they need to be consumed with healthy fats to be absorbed properly.
Eat your vegetables with a healthy fat such as avocado, olive oil, oily fish like salmon or nuts, with meals to reap the full nutritional benefits and you may see some changes to your weight.
7. Bacteria overgrowth
Our guts are full of healthy bacteria, so when there’s an imbalance it can really wreak havoc on our bodies. You can better your digestion, avoid constipation and promote healthy bacteria growth by eating more fibre, drinking more water and perhaps consider taking a probiotic.
8. Getting old
Alas, this one is an inevitable pain! As we age, our metabolism slows down and we lose our lean muscle mass so we have to work extra hard to lose weight and stay in shape. This is where it can be helpful to have the structure of an eating plan such as the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.
Here at The Healthy Mummy we are all about helping mums lose weight and get healthy. Our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge has over 4,000 healthy, family-friendly recipes and more than 350 exercises and 24/7 support from fellow mums to help you achieve your goals.
