Calories Aren’t the Only Thing That Cause Weight Gain
Prescription drugs. Some prescription drugs are known to contribute to weight gain. They include antidepressants (particularly Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft), steroid anti-inflammatories (prednisone), drugs used for bipolar disorder, and medications prescribed for hyperthyroidism.
Scrawny muscles. Muscles are our most powerful force for the burning of calories. Any physical, whether walking in a shopping mall or running up a mountain, will use more calories if there are more muscles involved in the activity. Better muscle mass also increases our calorie burn when the body is at rest. The more muscles you have, higher the metabolism.
Dehydration. When the body doesn’t have adequate fluid to function, it retains the water it does have. This stimulates water retention, which adds inches to our body.
Splenda. Be cautious of the alternative sweeteners that brag zero calories. There are two reasons why they may cause weight gain to the unsuspecting dieter. A 2008 research study by
Food combinations. Nutrition research that shows that the proportion of carbohydrates, protein and fat in our body affects our insulin production, which in turn, affects how much fat our body burns or stores. This relates to every meal, even snacks. If you consume a reasonable snack of a rice cake with sugar free strawberry jam, you are consuming all carbs – no protein and no fat. Even though your calorie intake is roughly 150 calories, your insulin levels will spike as though you just ate a couple of donuts. The key to keeping insulin levels low is to include a little protein and fat with every carb we eat.
