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
diets 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:
- Walk or jog a little faster than usual
- 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.
Good luck overcoming your weight loss plateaus and thanks
for visiting weightloss.com.au.
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