Pesky Plateaus
Unfortunately we all have them – plateaus. Those pesky plateaus can be so frustrating that it can pull the most committed dieter to go off course. Nearly every dieter gets to a point where the weight loss slows or, worse, comes to a grinding halt. Even if you don’t start regaining, it can be frustrating to see your progress slow, especially if you haven’t reached your goal weight yet. Experts call this phase a plateau–and arriving here is actually a sign you’re on the right track.
So, consider a plateau as a positive. “The first 10 percent of your weight loss happens more easily, so when you get to a point where you have less fat, your body has to readjust to the new composition,” says Audrey Cross, Ph.D., professor of nutrition at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University in New York City. It does this by slowing metabolism and holding on more stubbornly to the remaining fat. But now is not the time to give up! The tips below can help you stay positive–and stay the course.
Look at a plateau as an opportunity. Try not to get discouraged. Instead, recognize the plateau as a positive sign that you’re ready for a few more changes. Your body is taking a breather yet things are still happening. At this time, your body is getting ready to undergo more changes and lose weight.
Shop for new clothes. “Women tend to wear their larger clothes and put off buying new ones until they hit their goal weight. But you deserve a new look right now,” Cross says. So go out and buy yourself some transitional clothes today. “It’s amazing how flattering the correct clothing size can be.”
Don’t obsess over the scale. Your body is changing in ways that aren’t reflected on the scale. Because a pound of muscle weighs more than a pound of fat, you may not notice a drop in actual weight, Cross explains. But muscle takes up less space in your body than fat, so you may find some extra room in your clothes.
Check your measurements or clothes. Take your measurements as you lose weight. Even if the scale hasn’t moved, your body is adjusting and changing to your pounds lost by toning, firming and becoming smaller. Measurements or even trying on your clothes and noticing the difference will verify that things are happening even if they are reflected on the scale…yet.
Keep in check. Keep doing what you’re doing. A plateau is a sign that what you are doing is working. Plus, you aren’t going up. You’re staying the same. Continue to eat adequate protein, fruits and vegetables, stay active with your fitness routine and drink water. Drinking water is an excellent way to bust through a plateau. Bottoms up on your water intake.
Think of a staircase as a plateau. You just climbed up a bunch of stairs all at one time and you need to take a rest, catch your breath for the rest of the stairs. The same is true for a plateau. You’ve lost weight and your body needs to take a breather, a break to prepare for the next group of lost pounds.
Keep with your program and your plateau will end.
Believe In Yourself,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator
