Starting out on the path to your weight loss goals is hard. Attempting to change years (or even decades) of habits and form new ones is no easy feat, but you implemented an exercise regimen and the “you” from a year ago would think they had walked into the wrong house if they saw your fridge today. But into every life a little rain must fall and despite the fact that you were well on your way to reaching your goal, you have now come to a complete halt and hit the dreaded plateau. This is something every dieter must face and overcome. But it’s not necessarily easy.
When you first start to lose weight, you feel almost euphoric. Your success encourages you to keep up your good behavior, going to the gym and saying no to foods that will derail your diet. And over time, you settle into a rhythm and it doesn’t seem so hard any more. But when you hit a plateau, it’s easy to become frustrated, and it’s not too far of a leap to fall off the wagon completely. Here are a few things you should do if this happens to you:
Get Back on the Wagon
The worst thing you can do is wallow. You made a mistake, get over it. We’re all going to have days where we just can’t walk by that cupcake in the break room, or a second slice of pizza doesn’t seem so bad. It’s okay, as long as you avoid feeling guilty and work extra hard to correct it. Instead of sitting on the couch, lamenting the loss of your willpower, get to the gym and do an extra fifteen minutes of cardio. You’re sure to feel a lot better.
Switch Things Up
Even if you’ve recovered from your mistake (be it a slice of cake or an all-out binge), you’ve still got the problem of a plateau to tend to. If you’re already on a strict calorie count, it’s probably best not to mess with it. You don’t want to wander into the dangerous territory of malnutrition. Changing up your exercise routine, however, can make a world of difference. If you’re the type that tends to head straight for the treadmill, mix up your cardio by taking a Zumba or spinning class. You’ll make your body work in a whole new way, which is sure to help get you back on track.
Lift Some Weights
If you think cardio is the only way to lose weight, you’re only half right. Cardio exercise is the best way to lose weight, but it’s not the only way. Try working some light weights into your routine. Besides helping to tone and firm your body, weight-training builds muscle. Here’s the tricky part. Muscle weighs more than fat, so you may notice the number on the scale holding steady or even going up a bit. But don’t give up! Muscle also burns more calories, so over time, you will see the pounds come off. Even better, you’ll quickly notice a big change in how your clothes fit as your body becomes leaner and more defined.
Other Tricks
If you try these tricks and find that you are still unable to bypass you’re plateau, try seeking some professional help. A nutritionist can assess your diet to see if changes can be made. And a personal trainer can get you doing different routines and help you push yourself harder than you thought possible. There’s no shame in getting by with a little help from some friends, and you’re the one who will win in the end.
Guest post by: Sarah Leonard of Online Nursing Programs.
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