It is common for us to be enthusiastic at the start of our weight loss plan and lose several pounds a week as a great start. After a while, our energy becomes low and we suddenly stop losing pounds because it is harder to stick to our diet and we lack interest on workouts. Craving for forbidden food is now on the agenda. This cycle is called ?plateau? in weight loss.
What is a Plateau?
A plateau is a period where at first enthusiasm is at its peak but the sooner some changes have been visible, the diet is abandoned and the result is gaining back whatever pounds was lost. Scientifically speaking, it has something to do with the body's internal mechanisms for regulating its stores of body fat. These regulators adjust to prevent weight loss. It is simply saying that after you lose weight for a period of time, the body will reduce the metabolism rate to prevent fat stores. It also allows the body to burn muscle tissue instead of fat tissue. These are the so-called automatic mechanisms that protect humans whenever food is scarce. But as of recent time that food is plentiful these mechanisms make it hard to lose weight.
Getting Through the Plateau
Here are some tips to get through the plateau without burning yourself out and gaining back the weight you've lost.
Eat Healthy
When we say eat healthy it means to eat healthy food like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and low-fat dairy products, not junk.
Don't Starve Yourself
It is a common mistake to go overboard cutting calories. When you are currently in a plateau, you need to increase your calorie intake because it can speed up your metabolism. Eat when you're hungry.
Do not Cheat
Even when you stick to what you're doing, plateaus may come into the picture. This is when even though you're sticking to your plan, no weight loss is evident. It may be because you cheating on extra calories ? sneaking midnight snacks, adding extra dressing, eating larger portions.
Lots of Exercise
Keeping a commitment on exercise routines is a must if you want to break through a plateau. It is the best way to rev up your metabolism. You may feel the dread of exercising but force yourself to do it. There are easier ways to do exercise ? switch jogging into walking and deviate to short hours of workout from long hours.
Keep Up with the Course
Stick with your routine. If you realize you're doing the same routine yet you're not losing any pound then it only means that your body is adjusting to your diet.
Depending on what type of weight loss plan you are on and how much weight loss you have attained already, these factors can play a significant role in halting your weight loss. You just need to see this as a maintenance point and keep charging ahead, while waiting to achieve your goals.
The first thing to consider is that you may be getting close to your ideal weight. I myself quit losing weight once I got down to 175 pounds. It seemed I could indulge a little bit and still stay at this weight. Now, it seems harder to put weight on then keep it off. But, I still need to stay on top of this because I know how quickly I can slip back into my old eating habits.
So if you aren't already at your ideal weight I am going to give you a few suggestions that may be able to help you break through this barrier. The main thing is to stick to your plan. This happens to everybody and you will get through this plateau.
Mix up your program:
By this I mean you may want to switch things around a bit. You may even want to modify your program. If you have been eating all protein, then you could try switching to salads or all vegetables for a couple days. You could even try switching to all carbohydrates for a few days. If you have been eating all carbs, then maybe switch to all protein for a while. You get the point, try to shake things up a bit and see if this helps or hurts.
Eat Healthier:
If you have been losing weight but not eating very healthfully, then maybe you should try to nourish you body. If you haven't been eating many calories or eating little or no vegetables, maybe try to get your body some extra nutrients. Try eating healthy foods and fats for a while. Your body may be missing something and this might be just the thing to get your through your plateau.
Start Exercising:
If you haven't already started an exercise regimen, then you should start. This can boost your weight loss immediately. Exercise and its benefits can range from losing weight to giving you a healthier heart. There are too many reasons not to exercise. If you have reached a plateau in your weight loss, then now is the best time to start exercising. Just get outside and walk for 20 minutes a day. If you can run then run. If you can only walk, then walk. I guarantee you that this will help you break through your plateau.
Go out and eat:
This also could be a good time to just go out and eat whatever you want. This can help you forget about dieting and weight loss for a while and just enjoy yourself. One care free day of eating is not going to sabotage your whole plan. Just eat whatever you want and forget about calories, carbs and fat for a day. This may be just what your mind and body need to get back on track and help you achieve success.
Ok, these are a few of the things I used in the past to get through a weight loss plateau. I am sure they will help you as they have helped me. My main philosophy is to try and maintain your happiness while losing weight. If it is causing you stress by worrying so much about everything, then slow down. You don't have to lose every pound this week or this month for that matter.
Think of it this way. The longer you take to lose the weight, the less chance you have of putting it back on. I have lost large amounts of weight very quickly in the past. I always seemed to gain the weight back just as quick when I did things this way.
Just remember to eat, drink and be merry. If you do things right you can be happy, healthy and at the perfect weight. Without sacrificing the things you love.
Both Amber & Jules Sims are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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