Discouraged-Weight Plateau,,,I guess

[ShellyL]

I have posted on here awhile back and here I am again. I have been trying to loose weight for ever (basically all of my life) and now I am really trying and since about May of this year I have lost 17 pounds. I gained 6 of it back towards the end of the summer and took that off here in the past 5 weeks. I have now been at the same weight for about 10 days or more. What am I doing that I can not get my body to drop any more. I am very discouraged since I am riding the excercise bike at night and really watching what I eat. Any help is great
Thanks
Michele

 

[MJMouse]

There's little that is more discouraging than a weightloss plateau.

I try to look at them as my body taking time to catch-up and re-establish some sort of equilibrium to come to terms with the weightloss. I've also gone through times where I lose nothing for a week or two, then am suddenly down 5 lbs. Honestly as long as you aren't gaining, I wouldn't worry too much after 10 days. It really could just be TOM or bloating or gain of muscle mass. But if you really think you are stuck in a rut, here's some of the things I would think about:

1. Are you getting enough calories? You may already be doing this, but try counting calories for a day or two just to see how much energy you are giving yourself. From what I've been reading, if you don't get enough calories, then your body will start to hoard the calories that you do give it and go into starvation mode. I try to stay above 1200 calories each day, but I find that I need more around 1400 to actually lose weight. Varying the amount of calories each day seems to help keep my metabolism fired up (i.e. 1200 one day, 1500 the next, 1300 the third, 1700 the fourth, etc).
2. Try to add more protien, whole grains/dietary fiber, and calcium. They will fill you up and help you lose weight.
3. Can you add more time or intensity to your work out? Sometimes upping the exercise helps. You may also want to vary the types of exercise you do. Maybe add in some strength training?
4. Are you drinking enough water?

I know it can be hard, but remember you are in this for the long haul -- try to focus on the health benefits of better eating and exercise. Then really celebrate when they lead to weight loss!!! Good luck! I'll be rooting for you!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I agree with what was said.

You can make the portions smaller so you split your meals instead of eating 3X/day make a goal to get about 6 out of those calories and try to choose the better calories from what you are getting.

Don't stop exercising just change up your fueling a bit. You are doing a great job!

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Oh--I so know how you feel. I just had a plaeau that has lasted almost a month. This week I finally started losing again. Keep your spirits up---It will start again.

And I agree, w/ the previous suggestion. Switch something up. With me, breakfast is the biggie. I was trying to eat a yogurt or something every morning, and got away from it. Once I started eating again, I've lost almost 2 lbs, in the last week.

 

[MagicalMom]

I know how you feel. People always talk about the last 10 lbs, but I think it's the last 20. My weight just isn't budging anymore, but I am getting smaller so I will just keep working at it. Good luck, it will get better soon.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I like the enthusiasm. Never give up!

 

[Rae!]

Yes I understand this all to well. I have been stuck this past month, and I feel the harder I work the less comes off!!! So I will try again!!!! Just keep moving and it will slowly come off.

 

[MagicalMom]

I just wanted to add that one thing I recenctly realized was that I was no longer breaking a sweat during my workouts. I was doing the same workouts in the low 160s lbs that I did at 189lbs. Those workouts that once exhausted me were just everyday activities now. I started running this week & have already lost about 4lbs. & boy do I ever sweat now!