Need advice about a plateau

I have lost 52 pounds since I started calorie counting in July. I am now at 187.5 pounds and won't budge. I am eating 1200 calories per day, what am I doing wrong? I don't want to get frustrated and go back to my old eating habits. Any advice?

Here are a few of the tried and true approaches:

~ Switch up your exercise.
~ Zig-zag your calories.
~ Up your calories.

Those have all worked for a lot of people, so at least one should help you out.  Keep us posted on your progress.

**note** while I took forever to type this up, courtbarb summarized it nicely.

 

I was in the same position you are in (although at a higher weight) four years ago. I lost 50 pounds in 6 months, but then I hit a wall. I was in a plateau for months. I did eventually give up, but now I'm back. I have only been at it this time for not quite a month, but I have lost 8.5 pounds in the weigh-ins I've had so far (my final one for the month will be this weekend). I am using my own version of the zig-zag diet. I lost 3.5 pounds last week (I know, I am trying to do it slow and steady). Anyway, my resting metabolic rate is around 2350. I've been eating between 1500 and 2550 calories. I try to do one day a week at the 2500 level (usually a Friday and usually includes a lot of calorie dense foods with a dessert somewhere in there). The rest of the time I do three or four 1700's, one 1500, and 1 or two 1900-2000. I haven't been doing this long enough to come to any conclusions, but it's working for me better than the first time I lost all that weight. I don't really feel like I'm on a diet as much. And I think I am keeping my body guessing.

If you haven't already tried it, also see about adding weight training to your exercise routine. It'll speed up your metabolism.

might try interval training...moderate intensity with bursts of extra high intensity...this seems to work for me when i have a bad week...just a thought.

i platued for 6 weeks and was on the verge of giving up then i decided im not being beaten by my stubborn body. I took drastic action and went on the lemonade diet/miracle cleanse (google it). 3 days later id dropped from 141-137. I stopped as i went out for dinner with friends. That was a week ago and ive gained 1lb of it back, but today i start again, 138 is still better then 141 for 6 weeks.

Its supposed to be a detox fast for 10days. Even if you dont want to do 10 days maybe 2-3 will just nudge the scales down that little bit to get you motivated again. And before everyone tells me the lemonade diet is unhealthy and too low in calories, its a detox and its a max of 10 days. I only want to lose 10-12 lbs in total so jump starting it with a few days detox is working ok for me. If its not for you dont do it but knock my atempt to make myself happy.

I suggest adding 200 calories for a week. if you dont lose weight ( you will) add 100 more.  You will break through..once you do, go back to 1200.  I use a cheat day once a week to keep me far away from starvation mode.

 

good luck, be patient.

i read someone post that their dietitian said if you're not losing then you're eating too much.

and it's true, i hit a plateau, i upped my cals like everyone seemed to be doing and i gained 8 pounds

so my personal advice, weather you take it is entirely your choice, don't eat more than you were already eating, include some weight training, and plenty of cardio and just stick it out. 

 

 :) 

You are doing nothing wrong, a plateau occurs in everyone who is on a diet for a long time.  It is your body's way to take a rest and find it's balance.   Also the closer you are to your ideal weight, the harder it gets to lose lbs.

There are quite a few ways to overcome a plateau, all mentioned in previous messages.  You should find what is best for you.  Just because one way fits one person doesn't mean it will fit you too.  In my case what works is zig-zag dieting together with working out and increasing the amount of protein I eat.

Think positive!  You have lost a huge amount of weight!! Bravo!  You are an ispiration for all of us here! Don't let a stupid plateau prevent you from being happy with your amazing achievement! 

Keep on going, you will make it!