|
 Nothing is more frustrating to a dieter than not losing weight when it seems like you are doing everything right. Just when you've started to get the hang of a new lifestyle, your body stops responding to the hard work that you are doing, and you reach a plateau. Here are some of the classic signs and what you can do.
- The scale isn't moving
- Clothes aren't getting bigger
- You're hungry all the time
- Exercises aren't as difficult
- You're doing the same things, but not getting any results
Generally you can blame Mother Nature for your metabolic frustrations. As your body changes, it starts to get 'used' to the new weight and wants to settle there. Your body has given you as many results as possible using the current menu and fitness program you're on. Your body does this to avoid starvation. It senses that it's not getting as much food as it used to and so it tries to hold onto what you're giving it. Or it's getting used to the exercises that you're doing, so it's not responding in the same way. Basically, your body is leveling out - hence, the term plateau.
If you experience a plateau, you can start to tailor your weight loss routine to prevent or stop it. Just change up what you've already been doing so that your body has to respond, such as:
- Increase your calorie intake slightly
- Increase the intensity of your exercise plan
- Try adding more protein to your diet
- Drink more water
These simple steps can sometimes recharge your body and put it back into fat-burning, weight-losing mode. A weight loss plateau is something that every dieter will see at one point or another, so don't feel like you're not heading in the right direction. Often, a plateau is that sign that you're doing a good job already, but that you need to tweak something. Don't sit still and suffer through it. Get busy and continue on the path to your weight loss goals.
About the Author:
Lynn VanDyke is a master trainer and fitness nutritionist. Her fitness site, http://www.strength-training-woman.com is ranked within the top 1% of all websites. She has authored the wildly popular ebook, Melt the Fat (http://www.melt-the-fat.com). It is yielded as one of the best fitness and nutrition ebooks available. |
