Everyone who has ever tried to lose weight has hit a plateau at some point. A plateau is that point at which no matter what you do, you cannot seem to lose any more. If you have currently hit a weight loss plateau, there are a number of things that you can do to get going again on your road to successfully reaching your ideal weight.
Here are some tried and true ideas to help you blast your way through your weight loss plataeu.
Think long-term.
Weight loss plateaus are best thought of as maintenance periods that will not last forever. Keep your eye on your long terms goals and keep going with your weight loss plan. Above all, be patient, the road to your ultimate weight goal is likely to be a long one that is achieved one small step at a time.
Are you getting close to your ideal weight?
One of the reasons that you may have hit a plateau is that you may be getting close to your ideal weight. The closer to this weight you get, the harder it will be to shed extra kilos. On the positive side, if your new lifestyle habits have become well entrenched you’ll also find it more difficult to put on weight, which means that you may be able to indulge a little bit and still stay at a healthy weight.
If you aren’t already at your ideal weight here are a few suggestions that may be able to help you break through your weight loss plateau:
Mix it up.
This means trying something new that is still consistent with your weight loss plan. For example, if your primary exercise is walking, try substituting a couple of your morning walks for swims or bike rides. Likewise, try some different types of low fat foods for a couple of weeks to supplement what else you are eating.
As well as helping you get through a plateau, mixing up your weight loss program can help to reinvigorate and energize you to persevere. It can also make life more fun and you might even learn something new about an interesting topic or about yourself. You may even discover something else that you truly love doing or eating.
Eat Healthier.
Some people lose without modifying their diet significantly. If you have lost weight but still aren’t eating healthily, maybe you should try to modify your diet a little.
If you haven’t been eating many calories or eating little or no vegetables, try to get provide your body with extra nutrients through healthier foods. If you have been avoiding fats to lose weight, try eating foods that contain healthy fats for a while. It may be that your body is just missing something and this might be just the thing to get your through your plateau.
Start Exercising.
Some people lose weight without exercising. If this is you, then you should consider starting one immediately.
Exercise is one of the few things that can provide a dramatic boost to your weight loss immediately. As well as losing weight, you’re sure to benefit in many other ways from exercising, like having a healthier heart.
There are many excuses not to exercise. If you have reached a plateau in your weight loss program, then now is the perfect time to start. Just go 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 almost any plateau.
If you are already exercising and you’re “mixing it up” try to increase the intensity of your workouts (but do it s-l-o-w-l-y and carefully). Increasing the intensity at which you exercise will help increase your metabolism and burn more calories. Consider these options to help:
• Hire a personal trainer for a few weeks
• Walk or jog a little faster than usual
• Do your weight training as circuit training
• Look for opportunities to Walk instead of driving or catching elevators
Eat!
A weight loss plateau may be a great time for you 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.
Summary
Above are a few suggestions that should help you get through a weight loss plateau.
Your best chance of success in getting through is to maintain a happy disposition while on your weight loss journey. If loosing weight is causing you stress and frustration, slow down. You don’t have to lose every pound this week, this month, or even this year.
Think of it this way. The longer you take to lose the weight, the less chance you have of putting it back on. Many people who have lost large amounts of weight very quickly in the past have put the weight back on almost immediately.
Just remember, a truly healthy lifestyle is one in which you eat, drink, exercise and be merry. If you develop the right habits, you can be happy, healthy and the perfect weight for you – all without sacrificing the things you really love.
For all your weight loss and healthy lifestyle needs, visit www.weightloss.com.au and become a happier, healthier you.
Scott Haywood
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