Today's post answers one of the most popular questions I've been getting for decades!
Q: I lost 5 pounds and then the weight loss stopped... what should I do?
I'm going to keep it short and sweet and you're gonna love this weight loss tip... #1, stop dieting!
Diet is not a bad word; it simply means the kind of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats. It's a four-letter word, and the first thing most of us think of when we hear it is "deprivation," which makes us wanna quit before we start. For most of us, it means we are either on a diet or off, and the truth is, it's what we do consistently that not only takes the weight off but also keeps it off.
As a fitness and metabolic expert, it makes me nuts when I hear people say things like, “I tried that diet“ or "I used to work out." or "I do double CrossFit sessions three times a week." The problem is none of that works! It's better to walk every day for 45 minutes (even slow) than it is to kill yourself in the gym or eat what you want for a weekend and starve yourself Monday morning.
I’m not judging. I've done it all and none of it worked. Then I went back to school to study behavioral psychology and the research proves that it's all about replacing not-so-good habits with healthier ones. In behavioral school, they used those pre-packaged yucky-tasting bottled shakes they hand out at old folks homes and hospitals, and while the concept is there, they taste nasty and the quality of the protein is not worthy of a dogs diet. Seriously, it's worse than you think and really shouldn’t even be legal to sell. All the money you pay for these products goes to marketing to sell it to you and none of it goes into the quality of the protein or paying a flavorist to make it taste so good you wanna drink it every day.
I’m sure you know by know how OCD I am and also how much I love delicious-tasting food. I like my pants to fit. Pre-packaged juices and protein shakes are ultra-processed, taste gross, and are loaded with sugar and stuff, and none of it is good for metabolism. In fact, I gain weight if I so much as try them (I am always taste testing and sampling to learn). Most of these pre-bottled, packaged shakes and juices contain more sugar than soda, and we all know how bad that is... 'nuff said!
The email from this person had her food journal listed because I always ask for food journals in order for me to spot what's really going on. The proof is always in the journal, and it’s pretty simple... if your weight loss has stopped or you can't lose weight, you're taking in more calories than you realize. In order to turn things around we need to “read between the lines,” or as I say, "Look at the end of the fork, spoon, or bottom of a drink glass." I've even helped people who were drinking the shake but decided to add excessive amounts of fruit, almond or soy milk, or drank it in addition to their usual breakfast, despite the instructions saying not to. No judgment here, I did it all, and that's how I know what to look for. I was convinced I wasn’t eating a thing, yet I was 40 pounds heavier. I also worked out for three hours a day, which also contributed to my weight problem and caused my insatiable cravings and excessive amounts of cortisol in my blood.
The second I looked at her food journal I noticed she started drinking collagen for skin, hair, and nails. The second we took it out she began losing weight again.
But don't worry, there are better and healthier ways to boost your collagen levels, whether it's for health or because you want your skin to be firmer and tighter, or your nails and hair need a little nourishing. The best part is that it also tastes better and won't stop your weight loss.
Here is the solution to your weight issues that's healthier and more delicious... Protein!
Protein is paramount and it's even more important than collagen supplements. Collagen supplements won't work if you don't have the right kind of protein in your system, despite the claim that it is a protein. Most people don't realize that protein has many different grades, the same way buying diamonds or gas does. If you buy a cheap diamond you won't get a beautiful clear white diamond. You'll get a cloudy stone, but it's still a diamond.
There are low-grade proteins (the kind you buy in stores, and it's also the kind used in pre-made shakes purchased at grocery stores) and then there are the higher grades like Lynfit's. You'll see and feel a difference the same day you use it and your weight, hair, and nail health (as well as your skin tone) will tell you all you need to know about its efficiency.
I challenge you to test it out for yourself!
The only time I ever hear a complaint about the taste is form those who are still drinking sugar-loaded drinks and processed foods. I've been there and know how hard it is to replace those habits with healthier ones. Trust me, it will happen faster than you think. The only limit is you!
My suggestion is to get creative with low or no-calorie additions added to your shakes like flavored coffees, sugar-free jello, ½ cup of fruit, flavored Crystal Light, etc., so you get all of the flavor and none of the sugar spikes that stop weight loss and trigger cravings for more of the wrong kind of food. A green juice that's pumped with sugar is no different than a Coca Cola. Don't be fooled.
The stack I suggest is (2) Complete Protein Advanced Protein shakes daily (if you're overweight to replace meals), and if you don't want to lose more weight, simply have one as a snack and add (2 shots) of Daily Joint Recovery & Repair with Collagen.
Protein is the answer when it comes to losing weight in a healthy way!