One of the worst feelings one can have when dieting is when you reach a weight loss plateau. You’re losing weight and then, suddenly, all the progress stops. One wonders what to do to break the weight loss plateau.
A weight loss plateau is a natural part of losing weight. Although there are many contributing factors, this occurs when you have reached a point of equilibrium: in other words, when you are eating the same amount of calories that you burn.
Even though you have changed nothing in your diet or exercise, this can happen. This is because your changing body has changing needs, and it is a master of adaptation. When you started losing weight, it took a certain number of calories to keep you going. However, as you lose weight, the number of calories needed also decreases. Your body adapts. A weight loss plateau can be one of the first indicators of this.
So how do you get off this weight loss plateau? Eat less? Exercise more? Both? Not necessarily. The answer may be as simple as changing your routine. Try a different exercise. If you’re primarily doing aerobic exercises try some weight lifting or even swimming. Regular exercises like weight lifting add muscle, which burn more calories than fat does!
There are other ways to get off of a plateau. Add more protein to your diet. Studies suggest that raising the percentage of proteins you eat will raise the amount of energy it takes for your body to function.
Another way to break a weight loss plateau is to vary your calorie intake. Keep the calorie total the same for the week but change the amount of food you eat from day to day.
It’s important to remember that weight loss plateaus are a natural part of weight loss. Keep this in mind when they occur, and you’ll be far less likely to quit your diet in frustration.