What's the best thing to do when you hit a plateau?

Any advice on how to get over a plateau?

I know Bob from the Biggest Loser says to eat every two hours to get the metabolism going faster- don't really know if it works though, I usually fall off the wagon before I get stuck at the plateau, lol.  Here's hoping that won't be the case this time, *fingers crossed.*

Do something DIFFERENT from what you're doing now.

If you're doing two days a week at the gym now, try three days a week.

If you usually run on the treadmill for 45 minutes, go to a dance class instead.

If breakfast is usually eggs and toast, try substituting cottage cheese and fruit for a few days.

Whatever it is, just mix it up!

Hello sundee12,

in order to not hit a plateau or better your chances of not hitting one (it is not an exact science) change up your workouts often. Consider changing every month or if you aren't challenged by your current workout schedule than educate yourself on new workouts that are different than what you are used to doing and incorporate them in and out. If a month seems like too long for you you could try to make up a plan for 2 weeks than another one for the next and another one for the last 2 weeks (6 weeks of plans). Inter change them every 2 weeks to really spice it up. But what ever you do weither it is weights or only cardio make sure you have proper form; other wise you could injure yourself twisting wrong, lifting incorrect, or easily strain something. Then you will really have to worry about hitting a plateau.

-k good luck

Heya,

I'm right there with you, I can't seem to shift it. It hasn't been long but well, it's so annoying!! I totally think I need to do something different... but what!!

xxx

It's so frustrating. I hit one for about a month. I was very strictly sticking to my intake, no cheat days and doing everything I was supposed to. I tend to stick to the lower end at 1200-1300 cal though so to break it I increased my intake for about a week to 1500-1600 cal and I am back to a good loosing streak. After my month at 184 for I quickly dropped to 177. I guess it is true, sometimes you do need a higher intake. Good luck!

Get mono.

Hahaha. Just kidding. Although, that has definitely broken my plateau. In an alarming, unhealthy way.

I'm recommend that you add in more strength training to your current workout plan and eat some more protein, too. That usually seems to work for me.

And try weighing your food with a scale, in grams, if you don't already. You'd be surprised how many extra calories you could be eating by guessing portions.

I've just been inspired to admit that a) I'm actually in a plateau and b) I should start doing something about it to get myself out of it.

I just called my personal trainer at the gym to schedule a new program with her. Hopefully a new weight training routine will get the scale moving again. We'll take measurements and a body composition too and see if I'm losing elsewhere (and just not on the scale).

I'm also going to do a better job logging the little things. I think I often get lazy and neglect to log things like condiments. And the handful of grapes I mindlessly eat before dinner. And weekends. All those little things add up and I need to be even more aware & accountable of that.

I had one mini-plateau (about 3 weeks), then I went home to my parents house for a party and ate HORRIBLY.  I ended up coming back to my home 3 pounds lighter and that was the end of my plateau.  I think taking a day off and giving your system a 'shock' AND changing your routine is a good idea.  After that mini-plateau I do a system shock once a month (which basically amounts to one day of not counting) and change my exercise routine drastically once a month.  So far I have avoided a second one.

I hit a plateau for a couple of months. VERY frustrating. I ended up cutting out alcohol. I've heard that juice fasting can you get through a plateau or going low carb can get you through a plateau. A dramatic change in your caloric intake one way or another will get you out of a plateau too.

Oh, I forgot to mention that in addition to cutting out alcohol, I upped my workouts to 2x per day.  Once in the morning and once after work.