Starting a diet is always an exciting feeling, as you set out to lose those extra pounds and achieve your fitness goals. However, you might have noticed that the first few pounds seem to come off much faster than the rest.

But why is that? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind why the first pounds come off easier in a diet plan.

Hormonal changes in the body

When you start a diet plan, your body goes through a series of hormonal changes. The most important of these is the reduction in insulin levels. When you eat carbs, your body releases insulin to process them.

The problem with insulin is that it makes it harder for your body to burn fat. When you reduce your carb intake, your insulin levels drop and this helps in burning fat much quicker.

Water weight loss

In the initial days of your diet, you might notice a sudden loss of weight. However, this weight loss might be due to the loss of water weight. When you reduce your carb intake, your body uses up the glycogen stored in your muscles for energy.

Glycogen is stored with a lot of water, so when it is burned, you also end up losing a lot of water weight along with it. This sudden water weight loss can make it seem like you have lost a lot of weight, although it may not be actual fat loss yet.

Easy to cut out calories

When you start a diet plan, the first few pounds come off easily because in the initial stages many people find it easier to cut out high-calorie foods and drinks.

This way you consume fewer calories than before, and this calorie deficit will help you to lose weight quickly. But as you get used to the diet or reach a saturation point, it becomes harder to cut out more calories and lose more weight.

High motivation

When you set out to lose weight, you are generally highly motivated and excited about your fitness journey. This high motivation makes it easier for you to stick to your diet and exercise plan.

However, as time goes by, motivation dwindles, and one might find it tough to stay on track.

Less bloating

When you start a diet and eliminate processed foods, you are most likely to experience less bloating. Bloating occurs when you consume processed and high-sugar foods, leading to water retention in your body.

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When you eliminate these foods from your diet, you are less likely to bloat, and this makes you look slimmer and less bloated.

Increased metabolism

When you start a diet and cut out high-carb foods, your energy levels might dip, but your metabolism may increase.

Eating fewer carbs can increase the production of the hormone glucagon, which can speed up your metabolism, leading to burning more calories during and post-exercise. This increased metabolism can help you burn more fat, leading to quicker weight loss.

Less fat storage

The more overweight you are, the easier it is to lose weight initially. This is because when you have more fat in your cells, your body becomes resistant to insulin.

This insulin resistance makes it harder for your body to use fat for energy, and causes it to store more fat. When you start a diet and reduce your calorie intake, your body has to use up the stored fat cells for energy, leading to easier weight loss.

Less plateaus

When you start a diet and lose weight quickly in the early days, it keeps you motivated, makes you stick to the plan, and helps to reduce the chance of plateauing.

Plateauing occurs when your body becomes used to your diet and exercise routine, and the rate of weight loss slows down. So, if you lose weight quickly in the initial days, you are likely to reach your target weight faster, and the chances of plateauing become less.

Less hunger

When you follow a well-balanced diet, with the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, it helps in reducing your hunger levels. When you eat a very low-calorie diet, you might feel hungry and deprived, and this can lead to binge eating.

Eating a well-balanced diet reduces your hunger levels, makes you feel fuller for longer, and makes it easier to stick to the plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the first few pounds come off quicker in a diet plan due to various reasons such as hormonal changes, water weight loss, easy to cut out calories, high motivation, less bloating, increased metabolism, less fat storage, less plateaus, and less hunger. Knowing these reasons can help you stay motivated and make the most of your initial weight loss. Celebrate your victories, and use them to drive your progress forward towards your weight loss goals staying steadfast.