Five Ways You May Be Slowing Your Progress

Problem 1: You have no idea how many calories you’re really eating.

It’s common to think more exercise = more calories. But if you’re trying to lose weight, you may be adding on as many calories as you’re burning—or more. If you're working out and still not seeing any improvement, you need to take a look at your caloric intake.

Problem 2: You’re hydrating with a sports drink

If you’re doing a hard, long workout, then having a sports drink after, it can be a good thing, but for your STANDARD workout, you’re usually better off with water. Sports drinks contain about 50 calories per 8 oz., and 14 grams of sugar (about 3.5 teaspoons). As for the electrolytes, yes, an hour-long program depletes them, but it’s nothing a good recovery drink like Shakeology can’t fix.

Problem 3: You’re addicted to that pre-workout snack

As long as they’re getting enough balanced calories in their diet, the average person should have all the energy they need to get through an hour-long workout. If you lose energy during your workout, 50–100 calories of simple carbs, 10 minutes before you start, should fix it. Half a banana would be ideal.

Problem 4: You’re eliminating all carbs

So many exercisers try to eliminate starchy carbs—including whole grains and starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn—when they’re trying to lose weight. But it’s water weight you’re losing, not fat. Depleting carbs from your diet means that you have to tap into your lean protein stores for energy, which ultimately can decrease your lean muscle mass. Don’t be afraid to incorporate 25-50g whole grains and starchy veggies into your daily diet but try to stay below 75g overall.

Problem 5: You’re not working out hard enough

Intense interval workouts will typically make you less hungry after you complete it. If you're hungrier after your workouts it's likely you're not challenging yourself enough. The effect will usually last into the next day. More intense workouts suppress your appetite. You don't have to go hard every day, but 3 intense workouts per week will make a difference.

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