3 Ways To Break A Weight Loss Plateau
Have you been eating healthy and working out but feel stuck? First, ask yourself how long your progress as stalled. A TRUE plateau is NO weight loss OR inches lost in 3 or more weeks. You can't rely on the scale and shouldn't weigh yourself very often. However, if you still aren't seeing any difference in the way your clothes fit or your energy levels you may have hit a plateau. The reasons are common and plateaus can be broken - Don't lose steam or give up! Try one or all three of the tips below to get your body moving in the right direction again.
3 WAYS TO BREAK A WEIGHT LOSS PLATEAU
1. Change up your workout routine and/or nutrition plan. Our bodies are smart and they get used to what we do. If you've been doing the same workout over and over (which you shouldn't!) you need to switch up your routine. It could be as simple as switching out the days that you lift each week, lifting different body parts together (instead of chest and back try chest and tris, etc). Also try incorporating one HIIT session per week but make sure that you are NOT doing too much cardio. Sometimes just reversing the order of your workout or finding new workout music can help!
I will admit, I actually enjoy eating the same foods all of the time. If you are like me, try switching up your meals or eating different sources of fat, protein, and/or carbs. For example, if most of your healthy fat comes from almond butter try to get it from coconut oil. Eat breakfast for dinner and have a Shakeology in the mornings. Try different things out of your normal routine!
2. Journal your food. Journal ALL of your food (especially the food you eat and don't want to write down!). I don't think that counting calories all the time is necessary but when you need to take a close look at your food it can be helpful! Journaling is a good way to see if you are over OR under-eating. I actually find that most people are UNDER eating. Your body needs food to fuel your workouts. Eat up (healthy foods) and watch your body transform! While journaling you might find that you are "snacking" on your kids goldfish more often than you thought or you might be eating more than 3 squares of dark chocolate at a time.
3. Take a complete {workout} break. While you should already be taking a complete rest day at least 1-2 times per week we also recommend taking an entire week off. If you have been working out for 12(+) weeks straight, take a break. Your body will thank you for the rest. You can use this time to think about your goals for the next three months, spend time trying new recipes, or catching up with friends and family! Keep eating healthy and give your body the rest it deserves.
You do need to be honest with yourself. Do you still have a lot of excess weight to lose or are you trying to lose "vanity pounds"? If you have 5-10 pounds that you are trying to lose - and that is all you need to lose - it is going to be tougher to lose that weight because your body wants to hold onto it! You will need to be patient and trust the process!
Need a little help and/or accountability? Trying a {healthy} detox may give you the jump start you need to break through your plateau! I will be starting a new group soon for a 21 Day Challenge that includes a meal plan, workout plan, and tips to set you up for success!
If you are interested in the healthy detox and/or the group, feel free to connect with me on Facebook!
XO,
Christy
