“Everyone plateaus. What you do next is what counts.” - Noah Kagan
Introduction:
Have you ever found yourself diligently following a weight loss plan, only to hit a plateau where the scale refuses to budge? It’s a frustrating experience that many of us encounter on our weight loss journey. But fear not, because plateaus are not the end of the road! They’re simply a sign that it’s time to switch up your approach. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common reasons for weight loss plateaus and offer practical tips to help you break through these barriers and continue on your path to success.
Re-evaluate Your Caloric Intake: One of the most common reasons for hitting a weight loss plateau is that your body has adapted to your current caloric intake. As you lose weight, your body requires fewer calories to maintain its new lower weight. To kickstart your progress again, try recalculating your caloric needs and adjusting your intake accordingly. Consider consulting with a registered dietitian to ensure you’re fuelling your body properly while still creating a calorie deficit.
Mix Up Your Workouts: If you’ve been sticking to the same exercise routine for a while, your body may have become accustomed to it, leading to diminished results. Shake things up by incorporating new activities, varying the intensity or duration of your workouts, or trying different types of exercise altogether. Cross-training not only challenges your muscles in new ways but also keeps your workouts interesting and enjoyable.
Prioritise Strength Training: While cardio is great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health, don’t overlook the importance of strength training in your weight loss journey. Building lean muscle mass not only boosts your metabolism but also helps you burn more calories at rest. Aim to incorporate resistance training exercises at least two to three times per week, focusing on all major muscle groups.
Monitor Your Stress Levels: High levels of stress can wreak havoc on your weight loss efforts by increasing cortisol levels, which can lead to weight gain or hinder weight loss progress. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in activities you enjoy. Prioritising self-care and finding healthy ways to manage stress can make a significant difference in breaking through plateaus.
Get Sufficient Sleep: Inadequate sleep can disrupt hormone levels that regulate hunger and appetite, making it harder to stick to your weight loss plan. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night to support your weight loss efforts. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimise your sleep environment for optimal rest.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial for overall health and can also support weight loss efforts. Sometimes, what we perceive as hunger is actually thirst in disguise. Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water regularly, especially before meals. Not only does water help you feel fuller and curb cravings, but it also supports proper digestion and metabolism.
Be Patient and Persistent: Above all, remember that weight loss plateaus are a normal part of the journey, and they don’t signify failure. Stay committed to your goals, stay consistent with your healthy habits, and trust the process. Celebrate non-scale victories such as improved energy levels, increased strength, or clothing fitting better, and remember that sustainable progress takes time.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, hitting a weight loss plateau can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the road. By reassessing your approach, making adjustments to your diet and exercise routine, and prioritising factors such as stress management, sleep, and hydration, you can break through barriers and continue making progress toward your goals. Stay positive, stay focused, and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to success. You’ve got this!
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