Plateauland

Hello friends.

In 2014 I started a workout program and began running. I ended up losing 40 pounds and firming up a bit. However, when I hit that milestone, the weight loss stopped. I still had 30 pounds to lose so over 2015 I tried everything I could to get the rest of the weight off- hiit training, a new program, upping calories, cutting calories, etc. Nothing worked and when I tried to continue in spite of all that, I injured my back and stormed out of my living room feeling like the universe was against me. I finally let the well-meaning you-look-fine remarks justify my indignation. Then my body transitioned out of "weight loss" mode and into "normal" mode and even though I weighed the same, I was chubbier.

Fast forward to now. I'm still chubby but I'm very motivated. I started p90x3 doubles on Thanksgiving week but when I saw that I had gained a pound my first week, I was devastated. My measurements that week confirmed my suspicion. I had gained a few inches of the dreaded chubs over the last few months. Despite this disappointment, I keep remembering the time I began 5k training and thought I had hit the mark only to discover I was 3/4 of a mile short. I persevered and ran my race. I know I can hit this goal too but truthfully, I'm feeling a tad doubtful.

I would appreciate some stories of triumphs (big or small) and/or any advice from others. Thank you, in advance, for your support.

Replies

  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
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  • fiddletime
    fiddletime Posts: 1,868 Member
    Log your food. Cut your calories. Log your food, every little bit of it. Stay below your calorie allotment. It works.
  • Flybeetle
    Flybeetle Posts: 387 Member
    What works for me: logging consistently for 1 week, after one week I feel positive about being back on track which makes me more likely to STAY on track.
    Then add a FitnessBlender program (the intense one that goes for 50-60min each day is GUARANTEED to get you more toned and fit than you ever thought you could be, it beat running 5km every day hands down)(I now do their 30-40min a day program for busy people, still gets me great results), for $10 these programs are amazing, designed by knowledgable trainers, you can do the workouts in your living room, just get some light weights.

    Logging in MFP and doing FitnessBlender workouts are the best (in my humble opinion) tools to help you stay motivated and see results.

    I hope you feel excited again soon about getting to your goals, you can do it :)
  • nicolefishbowl
    nicolefishbowl Posts: 9 Member
    I want to thank you guys for your support. It helped me power through today. I've decided I will only weigh myself once a week and will continue to be diligent about food logging. Maybe I just haven't found the right calorie number yet? I'm not sure I believe the lofty number the p90x3 guide gives.

    Also, thank you for pointing me to Fitness Blender. I'd never heard of it before. I will check it out after X3 doubles ends and probably donate. Must $upport access to free information ;-)
  • Nachise
    Nachise Posts: 395 Member
    I was on a plateau for nearly two years. My dietician challenged me. He asked me to log everything, keep exercising, cut 100 calories a day from my current intake, and not to eat my exercise calories back.

    The results were immediate and continuing.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,974 Member
    Plateaus are RARE. They're defined by being CONSISTENT with diet and exercise for 6 weeks or more with no weight movement (up/down).
    I've never had a client yet have one, nor met anyone who, when then honestly assessed themselves, have really been on one either.
    If one isn't losing, it's usually due to an issue of accurate calorie intake/expenditure or plain just winging it and guessing what they are doing SHOULD be working when in reality it's not.

    Be honest. Be accurate. Be consistent. Don't do extremes. The body is really smart and if you let it, you'll lose weight with a moderate approach.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

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  • Flybeetle
    Flybeetle Posts: 387 Member
    Great :) I hope you enjoy FitnessBlender, in such a fan