I've hit a plateau! Advice anyone?

So I've been losing weight since December.  I'm not very stressed out about it but I'm not excited about that either. (Although, the 13 pounds of consistent loss and not regaining is awesome!)

I was pretty sick a few weeks back and didn't work out for about 1 1/2 weeks and am getting back into but somewhat slowly. I'm pretty sure this is the cause of the plateau. So I'm just wondering if anyone out there has any insight, advice, or motivational tips.

Thanks so much!

CONGRATS on the 13 pounds lost.. That's GREAT!

Anyway.. Let's get down to business. I've had a 4 month plateau, and it wasn't an easy one to shake.. Dec. 07- Feb.-08.. GRRRRR!  But I got over it.

Here's what I was told to do by my trainer.. What works for me may not work for you, but I'm going to tell you anyway.

I was taking in around 1200 calories at first when I went on my diet. And then I upped them to 1400-1600, and the weight started to drop again, with a change in my workout program, and a add of 80-100 grams of protein.

I also eat around 3 to 4 servings of Fruits and Veggies
2 to 3 servings of yogurt.
1 hand full of almonds- to make up for the calories I didn't hit during my mark.
Top the night of with yoga or pilates 10 to 15 mins.
Maybe you need to change things up.. Shake it up a little...

I agree with Lynnhaslost,Only way to break plateau is to change your routine by changing your exercise regime and altering calorie intake.

I have hit plateau again and even I am trying to break it .

Cardio, which is needed for weight loss, has four aspects that can be changed to "overload" your system.  You need to "overload" your system in order to improve your cardiorespiratory system.  This should be done every 2-3 weeks.  The four variables that you can change are:

Mode/Type--  Type of excersize you are doing.  Walk, running, cycling, dancing etc.

Frequency-- How many times you do it per week.  For weight loss should be 5 times a week.

Intensity--  How hard you work

Duration/Time--  Amount of time you excersize in one bout.  Can be 20-60 min.

Change one of these variables (or more) every few weeks and you should bounce right back.  Try taking a belly dancing class or something new that your body has never done.  Not only does it keep your mind interested but it helps to keep you from hitting plateaus.

Good luck!

(I was just studing this today, that's how I know!)

Oh my goodness lynnhaslost  a 4 month plateau?? How did you stay motivated?  I am sure I would get so discouraged!  I have been on a plateau for three weeks and am so worried that it will NEVER end.   You all gave me some really good ideas to shake it loose. Thanks! I hope that these ideas will work for the OP as well. good luck!

Original Post by ckimber_67:

Oh my goodness lynnhaslost  a 4 month plateau?? How did you stay motivated?  I am sure I would get so discouraged!  I have been on a plateau for three weeks and am so worried that it will NEVER end.   You all gave me some really good ideas to shake it loose. Thanks! I hope that these ideas will work for the OP as well. good luck!

 Well, I had all those holiday days to get past. I had to stay focus, and being the cook for those major dinner's wasn't easy on me either. I got smart. I kept  fresh fruits and veggies cut up in a blow right in from of me when I felt a snacking mood come on. My father,boyfriend and my kid's was my taste tester's. My dinner's came out just fine without me tasting them until it was time to eat. Then I gave myself the 1 to 2 tablespoon fixing my plate rule during that time. I upped my training week with my trainer when I renew my contract with the jump it up in March Program and started to workout with her 2 days a week on my own, and then one day with her and a partner. Not only that.. I was doing cardio on the 2 days I didn't workout with her.. My motivation came from weighing everyday.. As long as the numbers didn't jump I knew I was still in control, and if it did jump.. I worked out a little harder that day, and really watched what I ate..  Ricky Lake said in Women's World that she weigh everyday to make sure she was maintain, and if she wasn't she would watch what she ate, because it had to be a intake somewhere that cause her to gain.. Like too much Sodium or not having enough water. She also said, don't do this if you think you can't handle it in a healtly postive way. So I took that and ran with it as well. I don't weigh everyday now, because I feel I'm pretty much in control. I lose now a pound or 2 every 2 weeks, and I am fine with that.. Not only that.. During my 4 month hold out on the drop of weight... I had lost over 11 inches and inches was also something I was using to stay motivated.. :) Changing it up every 3 to 6 weeks is my key code thanks to my trainer.. I also DANCE! I love to DANCE.. Belly Dancing is hot.. I really love it..