Plateaus

[Mork]

Does anyone here every find themselves on weight loss plateaus. If so, how do you end up breaking the plateaus.

[GI Jane]

Plateaus are a part of life... in almost everything, and weight loss is no different. Your body will eventually adjust to whatever you do, so you have to make sure you can keep things fresh, and move toward making healthy changes in your lifestyle. This is why crash diets don't work (among other things). If you drink grape fruit juice 24/7, or toss out all your carbs, you will lose weight... but eventually your body will stop reacting and you won't lose weight (that is if you don't give up first, cause that's no way to live).

Instead of going all crazy, just make little changes that move you toward your goal. Eliminate something bad and replace it with something good. Replace soda with water. Cut out sugary cereals and replace with oatmeal. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Whenever you hit that plateau (and you will), be ready to swap something else. It doesn't have to be as difficult as running 2 miles instead of 1 (but that will work, too).

[Tigger]

I'm lucky enough that I haven't hit a plateau (yet). How long will it take to break once I do hit one?

[GI Jane]

Every one is different. If you are luckily enough you won't experience one. Chances are, however, you will. If you do, breaking them depends on a lot of factors (what you are doing currently, how long you've been doing it, etc.). If you keep your workouts (and eating habits) varied, the chances of a plateau diminish, as well as the time you will spend in one if you end up there. Keep it fresh.

[arb6813]

I couldn't beleive how much a little change like cutting out soda could make. It got to the point where taking down the soda at my meals also helped bring down my cravings for other sweet foods. When I replaced the soda with water, I noticed that sweets which normally tasted good to me were causing me to have headaches and upset stomachs.

I don't know if it was a direct result of the sodas...but I noticed the change. give it a shot...couldn't hurt...right?

[antkmom]

I am at a plateau right now. The way to get over it is to adjust my calorie intake and switch up my exercise.