If you’ve ever embarked on a weight loss journey that included losing more than 5 pounds, you’ve probably experienced a weight loss plateau. You’ve been losing weight successfully and all of a sudden your results slow or stop completely.
A weight loss plateau is usually the result of your body adjusting to your new routine. Your metabolism may have actually slowed down a little bit to make up for a lower calorie intake. How do you jump-start your body (and your weight loss) again?
3 Ways To Break Through A Weight Loss Plateau
- Cut back on your calories: Is there still excess that you can cut from your diet? Perhaps you haven’t given up soda or are still indulging in that late night snack. Lowering your calorie intake can help you start losing weight again, but it’s important to make sure you’re consuming enough calories. If you’re feeling hungry all the time, you may be consuming too few calories. Most people need at least 1,200 calories per day.
- Get more out of your workouts: Most people don’t have enough room in their schedule to double the amount of time in the gym, but you can increase the intensity of your workouts to get more results from the time you’re already investing. Try running fast, lifting more, or bumping up the incline and resistance on cardio machines.
- Change your exercise: Your body will adapt and become more efficient, which means burning fewer calories, if you do the same movements over and over again. If you’ve been using the elliptical every day for three months, try taking a spinning class or trying out kickboxing.
The important thing is not to give up. A weight loss plateau is a temporary stop on your weight loss journey, but you will continue to see results if you stick with your new habits.