Stuck on a plateau

I'm stuck on a plateau at 137 lbs. I've been stuck for about 2.5 weeks. I've already lost 24 lbs, but I have 12lbs more to go to reach my goal. This is getting very frustrating. I can't really cut any more calories because I already only eat 1200-1300 a day. Does anyone have advice on how to break this plateau?! Thanks!

When I get stuck for a couple weeks, I ADD a chunk of calories for a day.  That usually tends to get my metabolism moving, and 2 days later I've lost another couple of pounds.

Sounds like where I'm currently at! I started at 157, got down to a current 136.3 and have been here for 2 weeks now. AND I think I gained this week. GAH.

However, what has worked for me in the past when I got stuck is to do the following:

-Drink 100 oz a water a day! Not all at once, that's dangerous, but get in at least that much if you aren't already.

-EAT MORE! Zigzagging calories has helped me. I'm on Weight Watchers but it's the same premise for us. Meaning one day eat 1200, then next eat 1500, then next 1300, then a big day of 2000 and back to 1200, etc etc. I have a points formula but if you're not on WW it won't make sense. It really does help sometimes to trick your body and that is what I will be doing all this week starting Wed (WI day) to shake this 'plateau' before it really even starts.

-Move a bit more too! If you already work out a lot, just change what you're doing! Routine is a horrible thing to let your body fall into. Same with foods actually. If you're eating the same things, try some new things! Gotta keep your body guessing.

PS. Here is what a 'zig zag' week looks like for me in calorie form.

GENERALLY I get 1200 a day, but on these weeks (and my weeks start on Wed) it goes:

Wed:2200

Thurs:1200

Fri: 1500

Sat: 1200

Sun: 1300

Mon: 1400

Tue: 1200

I know it sounds like a lot, but if you're working out it can do wonders...

Ok, thanks. It feels counter-intuitive, so this is going to be hard, but I think I have to try that!

Let me know if that method works for you!

Just when things get going good and I'm losing steadily, I hit a bloody plateau, get frustrated, and fall off my diet.

If it works, I'm going to try it next time!

I used to belong to Diet Center and whenever I hit a plateau for more than 2 weeks, my counselor would have me do a protein day - all protein, up to 16oz. in the day and you should lose by the next day. give it a whirl - nothing but protein.  Worked for me like a charm. Good Luck! Let me know if it works :)

in response to astr0zombie, i've been zigzaging the last three days and i'm still stuck, so we'll see.

in response to 100orbust, ok that's one i haven't heard yet. i haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but hopefully soon.

My plateau is going on 9 days now. Bah. I tried staggering for 5 days and so far it hasnt worked, so I'm just sucking it up and continueing on with what I usually do. I have to start losing again, eventually so I'm not going to worry to much about it. *crosses fingers*

I scoffed at the advice given to me to eat more when I hit my plateau. I tried everything else, upping exercise and drastically slashing calories. Then I finally said, "What the heck?" I ate whatever I wanted to for three days and continued to exercise as normal. The scale crept up a few pounds...and then started steadily dropping. One week later and I've dropped the two pounds I gained plus two more. To anyone who has hit a plateau, take this advice!

I had the same problem - a few weeks ago the weight started to go super super slowly, until it just came to a halt 2 weeks ago. Then had the nerve to go up...! Although I wasn't doing anything differently. So I went swimming additionally to my usual power walks, then I GAINED more...I was so frustrated but decided not to give up. I stopped religiously counting everything (yet still not stuffing my face mind you) and went for a run, waited a few days, and low and behold, miraculously I dropped 2 kg (around 4 pounds) out of nowhere! Or so I thought anyway...

So I guess just changing something helps. Do a different type of excersise, and don't restrict your food too much. Works wonders!