by Feeling Great | Body
4 Hidden Weight Loss Blockers
Weight Loss Blockers – Why Losing Weight Feels So Hard?
Reaching your ideal weight isn’t always as simple as eating well and exercising. Many people struggle despite their best efforts. The truth is, weight gain isn’t just about overeating or lack of movement—it’s influenced by your biology, environment, and habits.
Lisa’s story is a great example.
For 15 years, she fought to lose weight. She tried extreme diets, intense workouts, and even gave up when nothing worked. The cycle left her frustrated, exhausted, and at risk for diabetes.
That’s when she sought help.
Together, we created a personalized plan, identified what was blocking her success, and made consistent, tailored adjustments.
Six months later, Lisa had lost 25kg. She felt stronger, healthier, and happier. Seven years later, she’s still maintaining her goal weight and living life to the fullest.
Want to find your own success story? Start by uncovering!
4 Hidden Weight Loss Blockers.
1. Your Metabolic Set-Point is Keeping You Stuck
Did you know your body weight is under unconscious control? Just like blood pressure and temperature, your body works to keep weight stable—even if that weight is higher than you want.
Your metabolic set-point determines how much fat your body holds onto. If you cut calories, your body slows metabolism and increases appetite to return to its set weight.
But here’s the good news—you can reset your set-point. The key is small, sustainable changes tailored to your unique body. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but with the right strategy, long-term success is possible.
- Want to adjust your metabolic set-point? Click here to create a plan.
2. Stress is Sabotaging Your Progress
Chronic stress is one of the biggest barriers to weight loss. When stressed, your body releases cortisol, which spikes blood sugar and triggers cravings for high-calorie, comfort foods.
Emotional eating is also a response to stress. You may reach for sugary, fatty, or processed foods without even realizing it. Over time, this leads to weight gain and difficulty losing fat.
The solution? Managing stress is just as important as diet and exercise. Building emotional resilience and finding healthy coping strategies can help break the stress-weight gain cycle.
- Need guidance? A naturopath can help you build stress resilience.
3. Poor Sleep is Slowing Your Metabolism
If you’re not sleeping well, losing weight becomes much harder. Lack of sleep:
- Lowers metabolism
- Increases hunger hormones
- Reduces willpower to make healthy choices
Research shows poor sleep is linked to weight gain, increased waist size, and a higher metabolic set-point. If you’re always tired, your body craves energy, making it easier to overeat and harder to stay active.
- Struggling with sleep? Let’s work on restoring healthy sleep patterns.
4. Hidden Inflammation is Holding You Back
Inflammation is an often-overlooked cause of weight struggles. It can:
- Raise blood sugar, triggering fat storage
- Make it harder to lose weight, even with diet and exercise
- Release toxins from fat cells, creating a cycle of inflammation
Losing weight can reduce inflammation, but sometimes, your body needs extra support to process toxins. That’s where a clinical detox program can help.
- Want to reduce inflammation? A naturopath can guide you through a safe detox.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Weight loss is a personal journey, and challenges are normal. But you don’t have to struggle alone. Working with a naturopath ensures you’re making the right changes for your body and getting support when obstacles arise.
Ready to break through your weight loss barriers? Click here to book a consultation. Topic about losing belly fat? Click Here!
Looking forward to supporting you,
Julie Smethurst (Feeling Great Naturopath)
by Feeling Great | Energy/Fatigue, Weight Loss
4 Ways to Get Your New Year’s Health Resolutions Back on Track
New Year’s Health Resolutions – Is Your Motivation Fading?
Did you start the year with big health goals, determined that this time would be different? Maybe you planned to boost your energy, lose weight, or finally take control of your wellness. But now, just weeks in, are you losing momentum?
If your resolutions feel like they’re slipping away, don’t worry! You can still turn things around. Here are four simple yet powerful strategies to help you stay on track.
4 Strategies for your New Year’s Health Resolutions
1. Find Your Why
When faced with temptation, a strong personal reason for your goal makes all the difference.
- Do you want to feel more energetic for your kids?
- Are you preparing for a big event?
- Do you want to regain confidence and feel your best?
Research shows that self-motivated goals are far more likely to be achieved. Remind yourself daily of why you started, and you’ll find it easier to stay committed.
2. Set SMART Goals
Clear, structured goals make success easier. That’s why SMART goals work so well:
- Specific – Define exactly what you want
- Measurable – Track your progress
- Attainable – Set realistic targets
- Relevant – Align with your personal needs
- Time-based – Have a deadline to stay accountable
Studies show that people who set specific weight loss goals lose more weight than those who don’t. In fact, goal setters are 10 times more likely to achieve long-term success!
For more information and assistance with creating your own SMART goals for the New Year, read this blog. Highlighting this, a recent study found that people who set a specific weight loss goal lost an average of 1.5 kg more than those who didn’t.
In another study, it was also found that goal setters were 10 times more likely to lose 10 per cent of their original body weight than non-goal setters. It should be noted that participants in both studies received coaching from qualified healthcare professionals,[4],[5 highlighting the importance of seeking help from a qualified Practitioner. Need help click here to book online.
3. Track Your Progress
Keeping a record of your journey is key. Monitoring your diet, workouts, and weight gives real-time feedback and keeps you motivated.
- Use a food journal or app to track meals
- Weigh yourself regularly
- Keep a progress photo album
This simple habit helps you stay accountable and make adjustments when needed.
When trying to lose weight, tracking your diet and exercise, and regularly weighing yourself, gives real time feedback that helps you stick to your resolution.[6]
4. Get Professional Support
Seeking expert guidance can greatly increase your chances of success. Studies show that working with a health professional leads to better weight management and long-term health improvements.
A practitioner can:
- Help you create a plan that fits your lifestyle
- Provide personalized nutrition and exercise advice
- Support you through setbacks and challenges
Research shows that health goals are easier to reach if they are set with the help of a Practitioner.[7] This is because your Practitioner can help you identify and implement strategies to reach your goal in a safe and healthy way, as well as helping you anticipate and deal with obstacles and setbacks.
For example, problem-solving therapy results in greater losses in body weight, including long-term weight reductions.[8]
If you’re serious about smashing your health goals, don’t go it alone. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward real, lasting change.
Your success starts now—commit to making this year your healthiest yet!
How about a turning your New Year’s Resolution in Action? Read this Blog now!
by Feeling Great | Adrenal Health
7 Powerful Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy
Why Infrared Sauna Therapy Are a Game-Changer for Your Health
Sweating is one of the most effective ways to detoxify your body and improve circulation. Your skin is often called the “third kidney” because it plays a huge role in eliminating toxins.
But what if you can’t exercise due to an injury or health condition? That’s where infrared sauna therapy comes in. It allows you to sweat effortlessly, providing a wide range of health benefits, from pain relief and detoxification to relaxation and weight loss.
Many people, including those with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and recurring infections, swear by infrared saunas for recovery and overall well-being.
Let’s dive into the seven key benefits of infrared sauna therapy!
1. Strengthens Your Immune System
Raising your body temperature in an infrared sauna mimics a fever, triggering your immune system to respond. This process encourages the production of white blood cells and antibodies, giving your immune system a natural boost.
🔥 Great for:
- Fighting lingering infections
- Recovering from colds and viruses
- Supporting overall immune health
If you frequently feel run-down or fatigued, regular infrared sauna sessions can help your body defend itself.
2. Promotes Deep Relaxation & Better Sleep
We all know that warmth helps us relax, but infrared saunas take this to the next level. By improving circulation and heart rate, they create a mild cardiovascular effect, similar to light exercise.
🧘 How it helps:
- Releases endorphins and serotonin (the “happy hormones”)
- Promotes a sense of calm and well-being
- Supports better sleep patterns
Feeling stressed or struggling with sleep? Try an infrared sauna session before bed to wind down and relax.
3. Powerful Detoxification
Detoxing isn’t just about what you eat—it’s also about what you sweat out. Sweating is one of the body’s primary detox pathways, alongside breathing, urination, and digestion.
🚀 Infrared saunas are up to 7x more effective than traditional saunas at eliminating toxins like:
- Heavy metals (mercury, lead, aluminum)
- Environmental chemicals
- Processed food toxins
For a deeper detox, combine infrared sauna sessions with a nutrition-based detox program. You’ll feel energized, clear-headed, and lighter!
4. Enhances Circulation & Muscle Recovery
Infrared heat boosts blood flow, improving oxygen delivery to muscles and tissues. This process reduces inflammation and helps with faster recovery after workouts or injuries.
💪 Great for:
- Athletes looking to improve performance
- Reducing post-exercise soreness
- Supporting muscle and joint health
If you suffer from chronic pain, arthritis, or inflammation, regular sauna use can help ease discomfort naturally.
5. Natural Pain Relief
Infrared heat expands blood vessels, increasing oxygen flow to joints, muscles, and tissues. This speeds up healing and reduces pain by flushing out toxins more efficiently.
🌟 Pain conditions that benefit from infrared sauna therapy:
- Arthritis & joint pain
- Fibromyalgia & muscle tension
- Headaches & migraines
- Sports injuries & chronic pain
Sauna sessions also trigger the release of endorphins, which naturally reduce pain and improve mood.
6. Improves Skin Health & Gives You a Glow
Clear, radiant skin is a natural byproduct of infrared sauna therapy. The deep heat increases blood flow to the skin, helping to:
Benefits for your skin:
- Detoxify clogged pores
- Reduce acne & breakouts
- Improve skin elasticity & hydration
- Enhance collagen production
Your skin will feel softer, smoother, and healthier after just a few sessions!
7. Supports Weight Loss & Metabolism
Did you know a 30-minute infrared sauna session can burn up to 600 calories?
How it works:
- Increases heart rate, similar to light cardio
- Burns energy as your body works to cool down
- Boosts metabolism over time
Since infrared saunas help remove toxins stored in fat cells, they can also aid in fat loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
How Do Infrared Saunas Work?
Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared rays to directly heat your body. This allows for:
- Deeper detoxification (7x more effective than steam saunas)
- More comfortable heat levels (you can stay in longer)
- Better overall health benefits
Infrared Saunas Offer Full-Spectrum Therapy
There are three levels of infrared heat, each offering unique benefits:
- 🔴 Near-infrared → Best for wound healing & immune function
- 🟠 Middle-infrared → Ideal for weight loss & muscle recovery
- 🔵 Far-infrared → Used for detoxification & relaxation
Who Should Avoid Infrared Saunas?
While infrared saunas are safe for most people, it’s best to consult your doctor if you have:
- ⚠ Pacemakers or medical implants
- ⚠ Certain medications (especially skin patches)
- ⚠ Pregnancy
- ⚠ Silicone implants
How to Get Started with Infrared Sauna Therapy
For best results, start slowly to let your body adjust to the heat.
🕒 Begin with 30-minute sessions 1-3 times per week.
🔥 Gradually increase to 45 minutes as you build tolerance.
💧 Stay hydrated before and after each session.
Many people, like Tom from Private Sea, find that regular sauna use helps them fight off colds and viruses. He swears by daily infrared sauna sessions for two weeks when he feels under the weather!
My Personal Favorite: The Private Sea Float Centre
When I want to unwind and recharge, I head to The Private Sea Float Centre. Pairing an infrared sauna with a float session or massage is my go-to self-care treat. It also makes a fantastic gift for someone in need of relaxation!
Self-care is essential in today’s fast-paced world. Taking time for yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
You can also read Adrenal Fatigue: A Growing Epidemic or you can read this Autoimmune Disease topic about Sick of Side Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication? Discover 5 Natural Alternatives and If you’ve found this article helpful, please share it with someone who could benefit from it!
CLICK HERE to book a session with me and start your self-care essential!
