Any help is appreciated!

Hi all!! I've been on CC since February, so I'm not a newcomer. I started at 228 lbs. and have successfully lost 36 lbs (down to 192 today). Now I am EXTREMELY happy with the progress I've made, but I'm also only halfway to my goal weight (160 lbs). I hit a road block (stupid plateau) in May and I don't know how, but somehow managed to get through it. I got stuck between 205-208.

Now for the entire month of August, I have been stuck between 192-196! The scale fluctuates so frequently, that I have considered throwing it out of the window from the highest floor. I know that everyone always says not to get hung up on the number on the scale, but its hard when you're still doing everything right yet it doesn't move!!! Its frustrating and I'm lost once again. Any advice on how to get out of this rut AGAIN?

How did you get out of your rut the first time?

My advice is patience and perseverance.  If you know you're doing everything right, keep doing it!

You could also switch up your exercise.  Find something new and fun to do, maybe a new class or new running/walking route so you don't get bored while you are waiting out your plateau.  Also, do you do any strength training?  This could boost your weight loss efforts by building strength and burning calories at the same time!

I haven't hit a plateau yet, but the most common solution I've heard is to up your calories to your maintenance level for a few days, then go back to your lower intake.  This could reset your metabolism and get things moving again.  You might also have to recalculate your calorie target for your new weight, if you haven't already.

If that doesn't work, maybe you could add 10 minutes to your workout, or as maxx86 said, change it to something new. 

Good luck!

Hi maxx86!!! Well last time I adjusted my calorie intake a bit, and switched up my exercise routine. Everything that worked before doesn't seem to work now. I know that usually people become very comfortable in dieting that they stop logging everything they eat- well that's definitely not the case with me. Maybe my body is just taking time to  adjust to the new weight?

Hello harmonpl!!

If your scale fluctuates, there is another method. You should measure your waistline. She told me that, more or less, you lose 1 cm every 2 lbs (well, I'm in Europe, so she told me every 1kg) you trim down. So, instead weighing in, sometimes it's better to measure. I did so for a while because when my scale told me I was losing weight, I would give myself a reward and spoil everything, so...I turned to the tape. You can try!

Just don't feel discourages: you'll start losing weight again, jsut keep your hope and efforts up :-)

Take care!

Josephine