Overcoming Weight Loss Plateaus.
Weight loss plateaus happen! Getting the scale moving downward again requires analyzing and adjusting your weight loss plan: perhaps adding more exercise; perhaps trying a new diet; or joining a weight loss group,such as Weight Watchers.
We've all been there. Really shaping up. The scale is steadily stopping on a lower and lower number. You have given your old clothes away and you look soooooo good in those new clothes. Another 20 pounds and you are there.
Then it happens. The scale is stuck. A week passes. Then two. Still no weight loss. What is happening?
What is happening is perfectly normal. You have reached a weight loss plateau. Your body has reached a point of equilibrium called a set point. It is maintaining a set weight. If you eat less, it just slows down your metabolism. If you eat more, metabolism speeds up.
There are some steps you can take remedy the situation and start the scales moving downward again:
Re-evaluate your weight goal.
Are you stuck on a weight loss plateau because you are not being realistic about your weight goals? Are you trying to get down to run-way model weight?
Take a hard look at your eating behavior.
Are you stuck because you have become sloppy about your mealtime rules. Are you following your mealtime ritual when you sit down to eat? Go back and review your table behavior.
Maybe you need to burn more calories.
If you are not exercising, now is the time to start. If you are exercising, maybe you need to do more. Add some muscle building weight training to your exercise routine. Muscles burn a lot more calories than fat does.
Maybe it's time to go on a new diet.
Maybe you need to shock your system with something unexpected to jar that set-point loose. Find a diet that you can stick to for the long haul. Think of it as a lifetime eating plan.
Maybe you need to count calories.
Do you know how many calories you actually need for your daily activities? Surprise? It may not be the same as your co-worker who spends her day exactly as you do. Check out your basal metabolic rate to find out how many calories you actually burn and start keeping track of how many you eat.
Sometimes to get past weight loss plateaus, you need the help of others.
Joining Weight Watchers or Overeaters Anonymous provides moral support. And getting on that scale every week can really motivate you not to disappoint!
Suppose your weight loss plateau turns into a mountain and you start regaining weight.
Click here for help.
Questions? Comments? Contact us.
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