I’ve heard from many readers that one of their biggest struggles is with weight-loss. And while it’s very easy to assume that this is all a matter of, “eat less and exercise more,” that may not be the case at all…

It certainly holds true that not all calories are created equal, there are however outside factors that can contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight.

Here are three factors that can result in unwanted weight gain

Plus, no Welli post would be complete without a deliciously healthy recipe. Just check out the good-for-you Grain Free Pizza below!

1. Lack of Sleep

Studies have shown that poor quality or lack of sleep can greatly affect your bodies leptin response and cortisol levels.

So when your doctor tells you to get eight hours of sleep, do it! It’s the easiest prescription to fill and your body will thank you for it.

2. Not Choosing Quality 

Your food choices can either feed good gut bacteria and support good health or hinder them. Inflammatory, processed foods, problems like “leaky gut” can occur. [Leaky gut is an increased intestinal permeability that can increase fat around your organs and contribute to metabolic syndrome].

Not to mention, chronic inflammation (along with leaky gut) can put your hormones “out of whack” and cause leptin resistance. Studies show that people who typically eat a wide variety of fermented, probiotic-rich foods like kimchi and kefir typically have a greater diversity or gut bacteria and often correlates with lower weight.

3. High Stress Levels

Your mental health plays a huge role in healthy weight management and yet our culture says we need to work hard, sleep less and be involved in every function without a minute to ourselves. It’s no wonder so many people complain of stress. Chronic stress can lead too a myriad of healthy issues like adrenal fatigue, autoimmune conditions, and digestive issues and all of these issues can impact your weight. 

It is time to de-stress!

Find a yoga class practice meditation, go for walks and really take some time for you.

And finally, if you’re really struggling, find a doctor you trust that can check your hormone levels. Losing weight is only part of the journey, so don’t feel like you have to go it alone!

Now if you’re ready to clean up your diet, but not quite ready to give up pizza? Then this recipe is for you!

 

Grain Free Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons almond flour
• 1/4 cup tigernut flour*
• 1/2 cup arrowroot starch
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour
• 1 Tablespoon flax meal
• 1 teaspoon  baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon pink himalayan sea salt
• 1 teaspoon each – nutritional yeast, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons water
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon avocado oil

*almond meal and almond flour will also work and yield different (and delicious) consistencies.

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Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lay a sheet of parchment paper on a baking pan.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together dry ingredients. 

Create a well in the center and pour in water, followed by vinegar and oil. Stir your ingredients together. If it’s too wet, add a little more almond flour.

Next pour  (or spread) your batter on the baking pan. [I’ve baked both a runny batter and a batter I had to roll out and both were successful!]. 

Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove and top with your pizza toppings of choice. 

Return pizza to the oven for another 10 minutes. When finished, enjoy!