Weight Loss Plateau Tips: 10 Ways To Overcome It
For almost anyone who has been on a weight loss journey, at one point of another, frustration has been apparent. Even with all the intense exercises and extreme diets, there comes a time wherein it seems like nothing is changing. This is what we call weight loss plateau. And to be honest, it is depressing since it appears like you are only wasting your efforts.
In the rest of this post, we will talk about some of the best weight loss plateau tips. By keeping these things in mind, you will not end up being hopeless. You will have a positive attitude, hoping that one day, all your sacrifices will finally bear fruit.
Eye On The Prize
One of the best things that you should do is to be focused on the end goal, which is weight loss. Do not be distracted by weight loss plateau. You should understand that it happens to a lot of people. Instead, evaluate what you want to happen, and more importantly, how you will get there.
It is easy to give up if you lack commitment. Consider the end goal as a valuable prize, something that you have always wanted or one thing that will make you feel proud.
Re-Evaluate What You Have Been Doing
Am I doing something wrong? This is the first question that you should ask. While it happens to a lot of people, this should not be a reason for you to be calm. It is best to have an assessment of the steps that you are undertaking and see if you are missing something.
In most cases, a weight loss plateau is because you are burning calories that are lesser compared to what you are taking. With this, you might want to consider having alterations in your diet, focusing on foods with low calories.
Load Up on Fiber
As you reassess your diet, one thing that you might find out is that you are taking less fiber than what is needed by your body. Fiber is essential because it makes you feel full quicker and longer. Hence, this will minimize the tendency to have cravings.
Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are some of the best sources of fiber that should be part of your diet.
Get More Physical
Even if you try every diet fad that is available, your efforts will not be enough. In some instances, weight loss plateau can be experienced possibly because you are focusing too much on the food. You may ignore the fact that exercise is an important part of the equation.
Find the time to squeeze a workout in your daily routine. If you do not have time to go to the gym, you can exercise even at home. Also, having leisurely walks around the neighborhood or riding a bike in short distance trips instead of driving your car will be excellent physical activities.
Take Less Sodium
When it comes to a healthy diet, sodium is one that should be given attention. In most instances, the weighing scale is not showing any signs of development because of water retention. There are many things that you can blame for the latter, but one of the most common culprits is sodium.
To cut back your sodium intake, forget about unhealthy potato chips. Instead, munch on celery, carrots, or fruits. Also, stay away from processed food.
Limit Sugar Intake
Like in the case of salt, sugar can also be another reason why your body seems to have halted losing weight. Sugar is the number one enemy – this should be your diet mantra. Do not drink soda, artificial juices, or energy drinks. Stay away from sinful deserts and the wrong kinds of chocolate.
Fruits will be excellent alternatives if you are craving for something sweet. Also, instead of using sugar in your beverages, you might want to consider honey as an alternative.
Do Not Starve
There is a huge difference between dieting and not eating at all. When you are on a diet, you are still allowed to eat. The important thing is to make sure that you are counting your calories and that you consume foods that have high nutritional value.
When you skip a meal, there is a higher tendency that you will crave for unhealthy food. Plus, this can be a reason for your health to suffer.
Look For A Fitness Buddy
Another good way to effectively deal with fitness plateau is to find a friend who will be with you on your journey towards a healthier and fitter lifestyle. There will be someone to provide you with constructive criticism. Also, this means that workouts will be less boring.
By befriending someone who is health conscious, you will be more motivated. This will also help to push yourself further.
Increase Intensity Of Your Workout
When your body has been used to a specific routine, such as for your workout, there will come a time that it will no longer show signs of development. With this, another thing that you can do is to make your exercise more intense.
If you are lifting weights, try to increase the weights you are lifting. Also, you can increase the frequency of your workout or do it longer in a day.
Aim For More
Another reason why you are experiencing weight loss plateau is possibly because you have already settled with what you achieved, even if it is not even half of your goal. You should be committed to achieving more and push yourself to the boundary.
When it comes to weight loss, there is nothing wrong about being ambitious. By aiming for more, you will feel the pressure to exert more effort.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed some of the best weight loss plateau tips. Keep in mind that such halt in weight loss is a pretty normal occurrence and you are not the only one experiencing it. This should not be a reason to give up and to go back to your old habits.
Did you enjoy reading this post? Is there any other tip that you would like to add? Do not hesitate to leave a comment below.