Whether your goal is to lose 15 lbs. or 250 lbs., you should expect to hit a few weight loss plateaus along the way. These are moments in your weight loss journey where, despite working out consistently and maintaining a diet, your body refuses to lose any additional weight. Though frustrating, the ultimate key to getting through a weight loss plateau is to continue exercising and eating healthfully until your body begins to shed off additional weight.
New Routine
If you're struggling with a weight loss plateau, the first thing you should do is change up your fitness routine. Doing the same workout every day can get boring, but changing things up will reinvigorate and help you stay on track. If you typically exercise indoors, move things outdoors and vice versa. If you always run on the treadmill, try the elliptical, stair stepper or even swimming.
Altered Diet
Much in the way you get bored with a workout regimen, the same can be true with your diet. Dr. David Katz from the Oprah website says that a change in diet may jump-start your weight loss in a plateau. Avoid drastically reducing or adding calories to your current intake, but do switch up the types of food you eat. Try a new, low-calorie recipe or opt for a different side of vegetables with your next meal. Continue calorie-counting and scrutinize the foods you consume.
Keep Going
It's easy to hit a weight loss plateau and then lose all motivation, especially if you've hit the same plateau in a previous weight loss journey or have been stuck at one weight for weeks. Instead of giving up or cheating yourself on diet and exercise, keep plowing through. Instead of focusing on not losing weight, praise yourself for the weight you've already lost and the way you feel as a result. If necessary, lose the scale for a few weeks.
Consult a Friend
A weight loss plateau is often discouraging. To curb disappointment or increased self-criticism, employ a friend to hold you accountable and cheer you on. This friend can be anyone, from your mother or spouse to best friend or doctor. In addition to keeping you on track and motivated to reach your goals, a friend can help show how far you've come and underscore that all your previous hard work has paid off.
Member Comments