Everyone now knows that weight loss is not just about counting calories and exercising. By understanding the human body as a whole, its composition, and the complexity of metabolism, we realize that the number on the scale is not just a figure but a reflection of what’s happening inside our bodies.

This truth has two sides. On one hand, it means that if we are harsh on ourselves to lose excess weight, we can stop being so harsh, as maintaining a healthy weight is not just a matter of discipline and self-control. On the other hand, it means that to reach and maintain the ideal weight, we need to put in a lot of effort and address our body’s systems from the inside out.

By focusing on gut health, hormones, and blood sugar balance, we can eliminate the obstacles that stand between us and achieving our desired weight without much hassle.

Here, after understanding the hurdles that prevent weight loss, we present the steps of the ideal way to start your weight loss journey:

Focus on Gut Health

There is a significant connection between the type and quantity of bacteria living in our gut and our ability to maintain a healthy weight. That’s why any good weight loss program will include a high-quality probiotic to support digestion and promote a balance of good bacteria in the gut.

Balance Blood Sugar Levels

It’s difficult, if not impossible, to lose weight when you experience blood sugar spikes and drops throughout the day. When following a weight management diet plan, you will eliminate added sugars entirely and consume nutrients that help your body adapt to the change in diet. This way, you are less likely to fall victim to food cravings and will be on your way to making more conscious food choices.

Tame Hunger Signals

Food is everywhere today—at work, at home, on social media, and wherever we go, we encounter the most delicious foods displayed in shop windows. Consequently, our brains are constantly stimulated by images of our favorite sweets, making it easy for our hunger signals to get out of control. We might even reach the point where we lose touch with the feeling of actual physical hunger. Protein powder with added nutrients that support carbohydrate metabolism and fat burning is a great way to feel full throughout the day. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein to support your body during the weight loss process.

Sleep

Lack of sleep harms metabolism and makes us more prone to weight gain. Most of us need at least seven hours to function optimally, while others may need nine hours a night. Apart from the fact that sleep deprivation can mess with your mood and make you irritable, it is another factor that significantly interferes with weight loss. When we don’t get enough sleep, our hunger signals go out of control.

This means that without adequate sleep, the hormone ghrelin, which signals hunger to the brain, increases, and not enough leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, is released. When these hormones are unbalanced, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to control eating desires and behaviors. Therefore, if you start your weight loss journey, commit to getting eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.