Get Me Down Off This Plateau!

[wallyb]

Anyone got any good tricks for getting over a diet plateau?
I'm doing the gym 5 days a week for an hour each time.
I already stoped all soda and am trying to be a good boy with the other food.
I've already lost 25 pounds - but the scale is going slow now.
What to do?

 

[CEDmom]

Change your workout. Add more cardio or weights. Use new machines and change how you use your favorite one. For instance if you like walking on the treadmill mix it up by walking at an incline at moderate speed for a few minutes then lower the incline and up the speed for a few minutes that lower the speed for a 1-2 rest and do it again. If you like biking try a spinning class.

Make sure you aren't eating too many carbs. I don't believe in Atkins if you're exercising because you'll really lose your energy. However, try to cut simple carbs and if possible make one meal no or very low carbs. As funny as it sounds adding some good fat to your diet in place of carbs can make a difference as well.

One final thing, don't forget water. Good luck.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Check in on the WISH thread. They may have more ideas.

I do Weight Watchers. When I hit a plateau, I made sure I ate all my points for the day and maybe a couple extra. And I made sure to get all my fruit and vegetable points.

Congrats on what you have lost and don't get discouraged. You will start losing again. We all go through this.

 

[FreshTressa]

Seriously...quit dieting for a week or two....increase your calories by about 300-400 a day and don't eat any grains/sugars after 4pm.

Your body is in a bit of a shock after the 25lbs and needs a reassurance that all is well, lol.

 

[Nancy]

Increase the water a lot. I do WW and when I get in a slump I increase my points for a week. So if I can eat 25 points for the day, plus the additional 35 per week they give, I will max out my points for one week. Then I go down to staying within 1 to 2 numbers in my points range and that seems to jumo start it again. I need to do that too, I lost 18 pounds and I'm not at a stand still. I'm increasing this week, decreasing next week.

 

[mssocks]

25lbs seems to be the bodys place to rest. I had dieted down about 120lbs and was stuck at 25 for about 3 weeks. Your body will adjust and you will start again. Stop looking at the scale and continue what you are doing. And feel good about yourself! 25 is a big achievement!

 

[poohbear2]

Are you still losing inches? I read somewhere that a true plateau means that you do not lose weight OR lose inches. So if you are doing one or the other, then you are not at a plateau. Could be wrong though...

 

[Linzybrooke]

Changing your workout is the best possible solution to this problem in my opinion. My trainer and I talk about this a lot. Your muscles and your body get used to the workout and then they don't have to work as hard, its just going through the motions. Here is what he told me to get the best results. Go three-four times a week, your body needs a little time off between GOOD workouts. Do arms and back one day, chest and shoulders the nest and legs with abs the next. Do cardio after your workout for an additional 20 minutes. Change the machines you use, the weights you use on them and the order you do them in at least once every four weeks to prevent your body from getting to used to them.

 

[wallyb]

Thanks for the ideas and encouragement!
I'll be in that Mickey-Mouse thong in no time!

 

[MamaLema]

Congrats on the weight loss!!!!!!!!!

Don't get discouraged. It's normal to hit a plateau.

I agree with pp that said change your workout. Your body gets used to the same movement day after day.