How to Beat Your Weight Loss Plateau: 6 Tips You May Not Know
While actively attempting to lose weight, many people find that they eventually reach a plateau. Depending on the amount of weight one wishes to lose, this can happen at various points in active weight loss.
Unfortunately, weight loss plateaus are very normal and should be expected in any long-term weight loss effort.
The good news is that you can break through your weight loss plateau with a little determination. Try the following tips to help.
It’s All in Your Head
Surprisingly, the first step to breaking your weight loss plateau is to consistently visualize yourself at your goal weight. Imagine how you’ll feel when you slip into the perfect size and visualize yourself in situations at that size. You’ll be surprised at the results.
Keep a Clean Kitchen
That is, only stock your kitchen with foods that are “safe” for you to eat on your weight loss program. If you must keep snacks in the house for other family members, make them healthy ones. Everyone in the family can benefit from eating nutritiously, and by not keeping “bad” foods in the house, you reduce the risk of overeating in a weak moment.
Write It Down
Keep a food journal. Write down every single taste, bite or serving of food you eat. Sometimes weight loss plateaus are simply a result of being unaware of every calorie you consume. A food journal can help you to recognize that and correct any issues that may occur. Alternatively, it can help you to recognize which foods cause digestive problems for you.
Switch Up Your Workouts
If you’ve been faithfully attending the same aerobics class a few times a week or using the same exercise DVD, it may be time for a change. Consider trying something new. Add strength training, try yoga or Pilates or even just switch to a different type of aerobic class.
Get a Pedometer
Walking 10,000 steps per day can make a significant improvement in your health in general, and doing so in addition to your regular workouts can help to break that plateau.
Pull the Old Switcheroo
Try varying your caloric intake from day to day. For example, if you are currently shooting for around 1200 calories per day, try eating 1500 one day and 1000 the next. Often, this is all it takes to shock your body into dropping those last few pounds.
Things to Consider
Always check with your doctor before beginning any new fitness or weight loss program to ensure that it’s medically safe. Remember that while weight loss plateaus can be frustrating, you can and will break through them as long as you stick with it. Don’t let a plateau be the end of your efforts.