iamfire1
New member
'tis a fact of life
Good morning,
Plateaus are a fact of life (more so as you reach your goal weight). I think I was on a 140 plateau for about a month, and have been on a 135 plateau now for close to that time as well!
Yes, it's very depressing.
The way I prevent it from derailing my efforts is to realize:
A 'get healthy' lifestyle is not just about pounds going bye-bye. It's also about getting more energy, more endurance, etc. That part hasn't stopped, has it?
Your body can retain water, thus plumping you (and your scale reading) up. For example, I knew yesterday I'd gain weight today - I had one of my favorite snacks (veggies with salt) and methinks I really overdid it in the salt department. I'm not stepping on the scale, mind you, as I figure, why depress myself? I'll wait until that water weight is flushed away (generally in two days).
Your mind is stronger than your cravings (if you give yourself permission for that to be true). Craving 4 Reeses peanut butter cups is one thing....giving into that craving is another....but stepping totally off your diet because of a depressing weight plateau (and not because of cravings) is simply a flying leap of logic off the logic train (my favorite description of myself when I caved in). Stopping your get-healthy lifestyle will definitely keep the increases coming!!
Lots of empathy. At some point, your body will say, okay, I can let go of this weight...but indeed, it's very frustrating to endure.
My thoughts,
Barbara
Good morning,
Plateaus are a fact of life (more so as you reach your goal weight). I think I was on a 140 plateau for about a month, and have been on a 135 plateau now for close to that time as well!
Yes, it's very depressing.
The way I prevent it from derailing my efforts is to realize:
A 'get healthy' lifestyle is not just about pounds going bye-bye. It's also about getting more energy, more endurance, etc. That part hasn't stopped, has it?
Your body can retain water, thus plumping you (and your scale reading) up. For example, I knew yesterday I'd gain weight today - I had one of my favorite snacks (veggies with salt) and methinks I really overdid it in the salt department. I'm not stepping on the scale, mind you, as I figure, why depress myself? I'll wait until that water weight is flushed away (generally in two days).
Your mind is stronger than your cravings (if you give yourself permission for that to be true). Craving 4 Reeses peanut butter cups is one thing....giving into that craving is another....but stepping totally off your diet because of a depressing weight plateau (and not because of cravings) is simply a flying leap of logic off the logic train (my favorite description of myself when I caved in). Stopping your get-healthy lifestyle will definitely keep the increases coming!!
Lots of empathy. At some point, your body will say, okay, I can let go of this weight...but indeed, it's very frustrating to endure.
My thoughts,
Barbara
kylieoneal
New member
Weight-Loss-Plateau
I hit the weight-loss-plateau and nothing helped! It was horrible! My weight just didn't want to go down. I tried everything! Then I found this video on some video sharing site about Moscow Meltdown and I thought I'd give it a try and it is really working! I just want to share it with everyone who feels the same way I felt back then. Now with the same exercise the pounds are just melting away and it is all natural! It's awesome!
I hit the weight-loss-plateau and nothing helped! It was horrible! My weight just didn't want to go down. I tried everything! Then I found this video on some video sharing site about Moscow Meltdown and I thought I'd give it a try and it is really working! I just want to share it with everyone who feels the same way I felt back then. Now with the same exercise the pounds are just melting away and it is all natural! It's awesome!
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iamfire1
New member
Actually.....
Actually, the site states it costs $49.99.
I always like thinking everything happens for a reason. By this definition, there must be a valid reason for my blasted weight plateaus!! And after going thru, oh, 387 of them (admitted exaggeration), I've come to realize that it's truly (no kidding) character-building.
See, you're thrown face to face with insidious temptation (the little voice that oozes, it will never work, your weight will never get lower, yield, yield, yiiiiiieeeeeld to the 7 boxes of white chocolate macademia nuts that Costco has with your name on it, you know you want to!), and you're left with...welll, only your own willpower to continue.
It's so annoyingly character-building that even when you give yourself permission to dive into 4 packages of Reeses that you've placed with great delicacy in the freezer for your 'cheat' day, you find yourself saying, I really have zero desire for these. Then you call your kids and say, guess what! It's treat time!
Yes, that was my Saturday 'cheat'. I really was shocked - I had absolutely positively no cravings for my chocolate, even though I had been waiting for it for a week.
The human body is indeed fascinating.
Enjoy,
Barbara
....You have nothing to lose to try! It's awesome!
Actually, the site states it costs $49.99.
I always like thinking everything happens for a reason. By this definition, there must be a valid reason for my blasted weight plateaus!! And after going thru, oh, 387 of them (admitted exaggeration), I've come to realize that it's truly (no kidding) character-building.
See, you're thrown face to face with insidious temptation (the little voice that oozes, it will never work, your weight will never get lower, yield, yield, yiiiiiieeeeeld to the 7 boxes of white chocolate macademia nuts that Costco has with your name on it, you know you want to!), and you're left with...welll, only your own willpower to continue.
It's so annoyingly character-building that even when you give yourself permission to dive into 4 packages of Reeses that you've placed with great delicacy in the freezer for your 'cheat' day, you find yourself saying, I really have zero desire for these. Then you call your kids and say, guess what! It's treat time!
Yes, that was my Saturday 'cheat'. I really was shocked - I had absolutely positively no cravings for my chocolate, even though I had been waiting for it for a week.
The human body is indeed fascinating.
Enjoy,
Barbara
thanks a lot girl's for your replies, some support from you guys is making me feel more better because iv started eating all those high fat foods which i stopped eating like frequently. so now im stuck cos i know ima gain weight. damnnnn this stupid weight loss plateau is trying to win over me when in the past i managed to win over it. its like i just cant control my appetite anymore and i eat anything i just see whereas first i was very modest about what i would eat considering it was well balanced and healthy. so i doomed and im stuck.
i was reading up on plateau's and one side effect is feeling more hungry than normal. and then when dieter's reach this point they give in and go back to their old eating habits which damnn is happening to me and i dont want it to be like this
how can i control my cravings, can someone pass me some tips on craving control while on plateau thankyou
this stupid weight loss plateau is trying to win over me when in the past i managed to win over it. its like i just cant control my appetite anymore and i eat anything i just see whereas first i was very modest about what i would eat considering it was well balanced and healthy. so i doomed and im stuck. i was reading up on plateau's and one side effect is feeling more hungry than normal. and then when dieter's reach this point they give in and go back to their old eating habits which damnn is happening to me and i dont want it to be like this
how can i control my cravings, can someone pass me some tips on craving control while on plateau
thankyou
iamfire1
New member
That's why...
Morning,
That's why I think places such as this and other super forums are so valuable to newbies and experienced folk alike. By patiently reading and learning and asking questions, I was able to create a most useful, targeted diet plan just for me! And when I ran into roadblocks, I was always able to turn on a dime because of the wisdom/common sense others shared here.
Best wishes,
Barbara
Morning,
That's why I think places such as this and other super forums are so valuable to newbies and experienced folk alike. By patiently reading and learning and asking questions, I was able to create a most useful, targeted diet plan just for me! And when I ran into roadblocks, I was always able to turn on a dime because of the wisdom/common sense others shared here.
Best wishes,
Barbara
Before I give you any tips- Change the way you think about the plateau..
A plateau is a good thing. It means you've lost weight, you've hit a NORMAL phase in a weight loss regime... which means you are on track! Celebrate your success!
Great ways to break plateaus-
Increase your calories every other day for a week.
Increase the intensity of your physical activity! (interval training, push yourself longer)
Switch out snacks or meals you normally have for something of a similar calorie count but a different food group.
Try a new workout/activity/sport
Take two days 'off' to shock your system. (Don't go too crazy!)
Tough it out. You WILL beat this plateau.
Drink more water.
Eat less calories in the evening and your larger meal in the morning.
Good luck to you!!
A plateau is a good thing. It means you've lost weight, you've hit a NORMAL phase in a weight loss regime... which means you are on track! Celebrate your success!
Great ways to break plateaus-
Increase your calories every other day for a week.
Increase the intensity of your physical activity! (interval training, push yourself longer)
Switch out snacks or meals you normally have for something of a similar calorie count but a different food group.
Try a new workout/activity/sport
Take two days 'off' to shock your system. (Don't go too crazy!)
Tough it out. You WILL beat this plateau.
Drink more water.
Eat less calories in the evening and your larger meal in the morning.
Good luck to you!!
And
Seems a bit contradictory. Please explain.
Since you are giving out advice, I assume you have some knowledge in this field. What does this do to reverse the adaptations in your mind?
Does it matter what food groups you choose?
I'm not sure that's the best advice.
What does this do?
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With the first two it really depends on the person. I've had several clients who push themselves too hard, and the days off give their body sometime to recover and readjust.
At the same time I've had clients who fall into a routine, and stop pushing themselves as hard as they did when they first started out and that's one of the reasons for the plateau- they spend hours in the gym, but they aren't challenging themselves anymore and soon stop seeing results. Hence the push yourself harder.
Point two, usually it's switching a carbohydrate based snack for something either protein or dairy related. The way your body processes and uses protein is a lot differently then it uses carbohydrates, and sometimes that small change can trigger weightloss again.
Point three, toughing it out is what really counts. Granted, I should have phrased it differently as I don't mean keeping everything the same. Try one new strategy every week, and don't get discouraged. It's easy to fall into the "Well, I'm not losing if I do/don't, so why try" trap when you aren't seeing those results, and it's important to have faith that you will break through that plateau.
Point four. When you eat the larger meal earlier in the day your body has more time to digest the food, you also typically feel fuller and more satisfied later on and during the afternoon crunch times which curbs the extra snacking people sometimes do.
Anyway, my point is that there isn't one solution to a plateau that works for everyone. But as long as you keep trying new things, regardless of how miniscule the change may be you'll find the fit that's right for you and succeed.
At the same time I've had clients who fall into a routine, and stop pushing themselves as hard as they did when they first started out and that's one of the reasons for the plateau- they spend hours in the gym, but they aren't challenging themselves anymore and soon stop seeing results. Hence the push yourself harder.
Point two, usually it's switching a carbohydrate based snack for something either protein or dairy related. The way your body processes and uses protein is a lot differently then it uses carbohydrates, and sometimes that small change can trigger weightloss again.
Point three, toughing it out is what really counts. Granted, I should have phrased it differently as I don't mean keeping everything the same. Try one new strategy every week, and don't get discouraged. It's easy to fall into the "Well, I'm not losing if I do/don't, so why try" trap when you aren't seeing those results, and it's important to have faith that you will break through that plateau.
Point four. When you eat the larger meal earlier in the day your body has more time to digest the food, you also typically feel fuller and more satisfied later on and during the afternoon crunch times which curbs the extra snacking people sometimes do.
Anyway, my point is that there isn't one solution to a plateau that works for everyone. But as long as you keep trying new things, regardless of how miniscule the change may be you'll find the fit that's right for you and succeed.
thank you so much desabelle.
personally, i do know individuals in real life who have actually broken through the wall's of their plateau and walked out free aka losing weight again. so there are way's to get the cycle of weight loss "restarting" itself im sure, even if it's slower than a tortoise. and i do understand that everybody has a diff approach to their diet/exercise so therefore their plateau related struggle would also be different ie. diff exercise, rest for some time or stuff like that. dont worry i got cha
personally, i do know individuals in real life who have actually broken through the wall's of their plateau and walked out free aka losing weight again. so there are way's to get the cycle of weight loss "restarting" itself im sure, even if it's slower than a tortoise. and i do understand that everybody has a diff approach to their diet/exercise so therefore their plateau related struggle would also be different ie. diff exercise, rest for some time or stuff like that. dont worry i got cha
Explanation clears that up, thanks.
Hmm, I'd think it different.
Adding some carbs to the diet when a plateau hits usually does wonders for my clients.
Physiologically speaking, think about what leptin is responsive too. Then think about what role leptin plays in metabolism, namely plateaus.
Leptin and all the pathways under it: Gherlin, peptide YY, etc.
Gotcha.
Around here, which I know you are new... but much of the plateaus I've seen are most likely caused not by the exercise routine, but rather that metabolic adaptations associated with suppressed caloric intake for extended periods of time.
Meh, a deficit is a deficit, no matter when or how you slice it.
I agree, breakfast is an important meal.
However.... skip breakfast, eat all your meals in the latter part of the day yet, remain in a net caloric deficit.
Result = weight loss.
Your body doesn't stop digesting food in the evening.
This I agree with.
No, b/c not all plateaus are caused by the same thing.
But instead of throwing generalize lists of possible cures for a plateau, I'd rather get to the bottom of what might be causing the plateau and 'fix' it accordingly.
Just my 2 cents.
Gotcha.
And sorry for the questions... your post just threw me for a loop.
Thanks for the clarification on the specific points.
thanks a lot girl's for your replies, some support from you guys is making me feel more better because iv started eating all those high fat foods which i stopped eating like frequently. so now im stuck cos i know ima gain weight. damnnnn
i was reading up on plateau's and one side effect is feeling more hungry than normal. and then when dieter's reach this point they give in and go back to their old eating habits which damnn is happening to me and i dont want it to be like this
how can i control my cravings, can someone pass me some tips on craving control while on plateau
I believe you're hungry and losing control because your calories have been too low for too long. 1100 calories per day while exercising is not considered healthy or adequate. To those out there who think starving themselves is the answer, this is the result of your "rush" to lose weight so dont go there.
yet another plateau thread
I posted here about a month ago about needing help because I was stuck, I started at 350ish and now down to 270. I started off at 500 calories and increased my physical activities from 10mins-2hrs over a few months. I have been stuck at 270 for the past 2 months I have brought my calories to 1,200 give or take a few a day, and still keep doing 2hrs of basketball a day and added weight lifting and jump roping to my routine. Still havnt lost any weight any ideas would be great. I already know how stupid it was to go 500 calories and ive been bashed about it already on this forum. I would just like a few ideas on how much calories to take and if I should change my exercise routine. Thanks in advance
I am 19M 5'10 270.
I posted here about a month ago about needing help because I was stuck, I started at 350ish and now down to 270. I started off at 500 calories and increased my physical activities from 10mins-2hrs over a few months. I have been stuck at 270 for the past 2 months I have brought my calories to 1,200 give or take a few a day, and still keep doing 2hrs of basketball a day and added weight lifting and jump roping to my routine. Still havnt lost any weight any ideas would be great. I already know how stupid it was to go 500 calories and ive been bashed about it already on this forum. I would just like a few ideas on how much calories to take and if I should change my exercise routine. Thanks in advance
I am 19M 5'10 270.
James2
New member
At 19, you should still have pretty high metabolism. I wouldn't suggest dropping below the 1200 calories you are already at. What I would suggest is to try the High Impact Interval Training described above, especially if you are athletic enough to play some basketball. While basketball is great, and does indeed burn a lot of calories, starting to do HIIT would really give you a kick in the rear.
my $.02
--The Pig
my $.02
--The Pig
according to this site
Basketball: playing a game 1963.6 for 120 mins
Weight Lifting: Light, free weight, nautilus or universal-type 153.4 25 mins
and Rope Jumping: general, moderate 511.3 for 25 mins
which is about 2595 calories burned a day and I eat 1,200 so do I need to eat more or what?
Basketball: playing a game 1963.6 for 120 mins
Weight Lifting: Light, free weight, nautilus or universal-type 153.4 25 mins
and Rope Jumping: general, moderate 511.3 for 25 mins
which is about 2595 calories burned a day and I eat 1,200 so do I need to eat more or what?
James2
New member
Those are just estimates. There is no way that they could know how many calories you burn when playing basketball for 2 hours, because they can in no way measure your activity level. I have played hour long games where I walk off the court barely out of breath, and I have played quick pickup games where I can barely crawl off the court.
Obviously, you are not in a 1300 calorie deficit just based on your activities (not even taking into account the calories your body burns just getting along during the day) if you are stuck and not losing any weight.
When I hit a plateau, I find it helpful to shake things up. Do something outside your routine to find the edge of that plateau.