Is it time to shed those extra pounds? As it turns out, this is the time of year so many of us answer, "yes" to that question. And of course while it's never easy to make the permanent changes required to lose the weight and maintain it, there are certainly some approaches that are far better and more effective than others. For example, following an anti- inflammatory diet is the healthiest and most effective way to achieve your weight goals, and improve your health at the same time. And, every weight-loss program should include an exercise plan, with both aerobics and strength training.

However, even if you are doing everything right with diet and exercise, there are times when the weight simply will not come off. In fact, at times there are other systemic obstacles that must be addressed first before you can lose the weight you want to lose. This is where working with a professional who understands all of the issues involved can be helpful. So now let's look at a few of the more common culprits.

First of all, are you drinking enough water? Dehydration will cause your body to hold onto that extra weight. A good program should always include at least 8 glasses of pure water daily.

Has your thyroid been checked? A sluggish thyroid is associated with a low metabolic rate, which means that you are not burning calories very efficiently. Even levels in the "low normal" range, should probably be treated.

Are you stressed? Stress causes the release of the hormone cortisol, and excess cortisol increases appetite and promotes storage of fat in the abdominal area. Chronic stress can lead you to gain weight, and can be a major obstacle to your losing weight. There is a simple test available for assessing your adrenal function.

Are you getting enough sleep? In a world filled with more and more industrial-strength "to-do" lists, I've seen so many clients who were not getting enough sleep. And if you're sleep-deprived you will actually have higher levels of the hormone that stimulates appetite (ghrelin). You'll also have lower levels of the hormone that tells your brain when you're full (leptin). And there is even more bad news. Sleep deprivation can also cause you to crave carbohydrate-rich foods, such as sweets, pasta, and breads.

Do you have a lot of bloating and water retention? These symptoms are often signs of a toxic overload, meaning a build up of toxic substances in your body. This can also inhibit weight loss. Sometimes starting with a good liver detoxification program is your best first step.

Is your system too "acidic"? Our bodies function much better (including losing weight successfully) when they are slightly alkaline, rather than acidic. Certain foods, like sugars, excess protein, grains, alcohol, and caffeine, as well as stress hormones, push our systems to a more acidic state. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the most alkalinizing foods. And lastly on this subject, taking a good mineral supplement that includes calcium and magnesium can also help alkalinize your body.

Does your diet have enough fiber and fat? I know it sounds strange, but you need to eat fat to burn fat. Be sure to include a little good fat (like olive oil, avocado, fish, raw nuts and seeds) at each meal. And of course, all those fruits and veggies are loaded with good fiber.

Other obstacles? Food allergies, basic deficiencies of nutrients like certain vitamins and minerals, inflammation in the body, candida overgrowth or other parasites, digestive disturbances, blood sugar issues, and taking certain medications can interfere with your ability to lose weight. And yes, let me say again that any of these obstacles can stand in your way, even when you are doing all the right things.

The good news is help is available. We can work together to decipher which of these obstacles may be interfering with your goals. There are strategies and solutions for each of these issues. I'm available for one-on-one consults, and as a facilitator for the group program offered in this newsletter.

If you need more help, make an appointment for an assessment, or for coaching. And, read about the 8-week program in this newsletter. You don't have to go it alone!