If you have been on a weight loss program for any length of time, you will probably at some point experience a stop or slow down of weight loss. This is a plateau, and although it is frustrating, there are ways to break weight loss plateau.
Begin by checking your diet. Are you following the plan correctly? Perhaps you have started just eyeing your portions rather than weighing them out. Honestly look at what you have been doing to see if maybe old habits have crept back into your eating pattern. If so, go back to following your program exactly.
Maybe you are not eating enough. If you cut your calorie intake back too far, your body may think it is starving and it will respond by stockpiling fat. Although it is tempting to lose weight as fast as possible, you will have better luck keeping the weight off if you do it gradually and change your habits.
If you are eating the amount of calories that you need to lose weight, try mixing up your eating style. Instead of eating three regular meals, try eating 5 smaller meals. You can also vary your calorie intake. Eat more calories one day and less the next. If your body knows what is coming every day, it will adjust and your metabolism may slow.
When your diet is in order, take a look at your exercise routine. If you don't have an exercise routine, now is the time to add one. If you have been exercising, but you are still walking the same amount of time that you did when you started, try adding 15 minutes. It may be time to increase your intensity level. Take your measurements if you have been exercising regularly. It may be that you have lost inches but not pounds. Remember that muscle weighs more than fat. The scale may not show that you have lost any weight, but you may have gained muscle.
Keep in mind that although a plateau is frustrating, it is a normal part of weight loss. Don't get discouraged and give up. Just make some small changes in your routine and stay with it. The weight will once again begin to come off.
Begin by checking your diet. Are you following the plan correctly? Perhaps you have started just eyeing your portions rather than weighing them out. Honestly look at what you have been doing to see if maybe old habits have crept back into your eating pattern. If so, go back to following your program exactly.
Maybe you are not eating enough. If you cut your calorie intake back too far, your body may think it is starving and it will respond by stockpiling fat. Although it is tempting to lose weight as fast as possible, you will have better luck keeping the weight off if you do it gradually and change your habits.
If you are eating the amount of calories that you need to lose weight, try mixing up your eating style. Instead of eating three regular meals, try eating 5 smaller meals. You can also vary your calorie intake. Eat more calories one day and less the next. If your body knows what is coming every day, it will adjust and your metabolism may slow.
When your diet is in order, take a look at your exercise routine. If you don't have an exercise routine, now is the time to add one. If you have been exercising, but you are still walking the same amount of time that you did when you started, try adding 15 minutes. It may be time to increase your intensity level. Take your measurements if you have been exercising regularly. It may be that you have lost inches but not pounds. Remember that muscle weighs more than fat. The scale may not show that you have lost any weight, but you may have gained muscle.
Keep in mind that although a plateau is frustrating, it is a normal part of weight loss. Don't get discouraged and give up. Just make some small changes in your routine and stay with it. The weight will once again begin to come off.
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