As a Nutrition Coach THE number 1 question I (ALWAYS!) get asked is…

                             “How do I lose those last 5 kilograms?”    

So, I am going to tell you right here, right now!

Firstly, let’s look at the cause of weight gain and, the inability to shift it.

There is no question that genetic factors play a part.  Including:

Metabolic rate – essentially how efficient your body is at burning calories.

Nutrient absorption –  how productive (or not!) your body is at absorbing and utilising nutrients.

Tendency toward an Acidic ph – It may just be that your internal ph swings towards an acidic state . This simply  means more attention to keeping your bod in an alkaline state.

Other causes of carrying extra weight are more obvious like:

Poor eating choices and,

Poor eating habits

Did you know, though, that weight gain can also be due to:

Vitamin D deficiency – We know that low Vitamin D levels are associated with depression but, it is also a precursor to fat gain.

Obesogens – This chemical interferes with the our hormonal system and metabolism which, you guessed it, leads to extra fat.  Obesogens are found in hormones given to animals and, found in soy, plastics in food and drink packaging, processed food and, pesticides on commercial fruit and veg.

Toxicity – Toxins are actually stored in our fat.  Yep, they call our fat cells ‘home’.  The more toxins in our bod, the more need for fat cells.

Leptin Resistance – The hormone Leptin switches off our appetite.  Some people are resistant to this hormone and therefore experience a feeling of a continual strong appetite.

Stress hormones – Stress places the nervous system  in a state of  ‘flight’ or ‘fright’, raising cortisol levels and raising the tendency to gain weight.

With that said, in order to lose those last 5 kilograms (and sustain it!),

my TOP TEN TIPS are:

1. ‘Clear out’ the sludge – cleanse your body by starting with an abundance of pure water and organic fresh fruit & vegetables.

2. Fill your body with nutritious fare – think fruit, veg, nuts, seeds, fermented foods, seaweeds, super foods and super herbs.

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – pure water, fruit, herbal teas, juices, smoothies, broths.

4.  Sunlight – A daily sun bath in raw sunlight will fill you up with the good stuff, Vit D.

5. Remove the toxic load and cut out the crap – No more nasties! Forget refined sugar, chemical exposure and plastics.

6.  Maintain an alkaline ph – Lots of greens and goodness to keep your bod balanced.

7. Get Active – 30 min walk barefoot daily plus strength, flexibility and mild cardio 2-3 times weekly.

8.  Keep your body in a relaxed zone – keep those cortisol levels stable and your bod happy.  Yes to yoga!

9.  Quality SLEEP – restorative sleep is a must to regulate hormones and weight.

10.  Be patient and kind to yourself – Changes take time, take it easy on yourself and have fun with it!