Learn How To Break Through A Weight-Loss Plateau

One of the most common questions asked of experts is...

"I've successfully lost X of the Y pounds I want to lose, but now I am stuck at the same weight even though I'm sticking to my diet. How can I start losing again?"

Here's the answer... You've reached a plateau (which is normal), and --- it's time to shake things up! ---

Plateaus are a fact of weight-loss life, so don't get down on yourself. In fact, now is exactly the time to pat yourself on the back: Look at how far you've come and be proud of it! Then you can determine if this is really a plateau -- or if you have simply reached your ideal weight.

I know as well as you do how attempts at weight loss can drive us crazy. According to the numbers, we can seem to be doing everything right, and yet nothing seems to happen.

The first step is to stop focusing on the scale. Often a change in the scale just reflects the pounds of body fluid you lose and gain every day rather than how much fat you've lost or gained.

Also, you can lose inches of fat without losing weight when you gain muscles, because muscles weigh more than fat (but look a heck of a lot better). So if you can't rely on the scale to tell you how you're doing week to week, what can you count on? Use a measuring tape as another tool to measure your success.

The science of weight loss is not a mystery -- you must decrease the energy in (calories) and increase the energy out. One of the best ways to increase our energy out is to increase our activity level. That means...

Exercise

In any weight-loss program, exercises are a crucial part of the formula. If you've stopped losing weight, it's time to start exercising more or increase your workout intensity. Here are several ways you can alter your training routine to push you past the plateau.

• Add variety

If you've been walking, try cycling or swimming. Increase the intensity of your cardiovascular or aerobic exercise by adding short bursts of higher-intensity movement, such as sprinting. These intervals should last 30 to 60 seconds and be followed by less intense exercise for two or three times the length of the burst. Start by adding one or two of these intervals to your routine, then increase the number as you improve your conditioning. Work out with a friend or a personal trainer. This may motivate you to pick up your pace.

• Intensify your workouts

Adding a few extra minutes to your routine, occasionally picking up the pace or tackling a hill or two can help you burn extra calories. Your 20 to 30 minutes of daily walking is good, but adding more time or trying new activities, such as bike riding or swimming, will help boost calorie burning.

• Add some muscle

Try some strength-building types of exercise, such as weight training or calisthenics. You'll build more muscle, which burns more calories than fat, even when you're sleeping.

Watch Your Food Intake

A strict exercise regimen is crucial in a weight-loss program, but the fat won't come off if you're hitting the potato chip aisle on a regular basis. Here are simple dietary changes you can make to help you lose the fat.

• Drink a lot of water

Drink a glass before you treat yourself to a second helping or an unnecessary snack. This helps you feel fuller. Eat foods that are high in fiber - they, too, help fill you up (the body doesn't digest fiber).

• Add some weight-loss supplements

Natural weight-loss products contain herbs to boost your metabolism, burn fat and help you curb your cravings for carbohydrates. If you're not using any weight-loss program, a plateau is a good time to start.

• Check your eating habits

Sometimes when the pounds start coming off, we're not as diligent as we were at the beginning. Portions start to creep up in size, and more sweets find their way into our diets. A food log is a good way to keep track of what you're putting in your mouth.

As you ease off that weight plateau, maintain your persistence. Your weight loss probably will be about a pound a week and you may land on another plateau. Make adjustments as needed with your activity level.

In the end, you should view hitting a plateau as a good thing. Why? It means your body has less fat to lose, which explains why the weight isn't coming off as readily. And remember: It's best to lose weight slowly and sensibly so you can make changes that you'll keep for life.

There are many reasons for plateaus and therefore many solutions. If you address the above issues, you'll achieve the weight-loss results you desire. And enjoy your improving fitness level and better health.