What does it mean to plateau?

polkadotty88

And any advice on overcoming a plateau x

kdelost630

I'm trying to bust mine as well. Advice I've received so far: cut out dairy, don't drink sodas, reduce sodium intake, or up your calories.

Otherwise, I'd like to hear more ideas as well. Plateaus are frustrating as all get out.

LATeagno

I'm on a plateau right now too and I'm seriously wanting to spork myself in the eye. I'm eating 1500 calories (20% carb, 30% fat and 50% protein) I'm ping-ponging the same pound over and over again... lose it... gain it... lose it... gain it. Two weeks and no loss. I'm going crazy! My wedding is in three months. I cannot afford this stall right now! Agghh! Let me know what helps you. I'm going to ramp up my exercise.

Good luck with yours. I know how frustrating it is.

polkadotty88

im not on a plateau at the moment! i just want some advice when the inevitable arrives xx

gatorflyer

I think plateauing refers to getting to a point where you don't see any weight loss consistently despite consistently working hard and watching what you eat. My understanding is that the best way to overcome a plateau is to change things up. You might want to increase (or decrease) your calorie intake by 1-200, and/or change up your exercise routine - either more or less time, or even change the actual exercise.

W0zzie

Some try Zig Zagging. I thankfully haven't really suffered it badly - copped a few weeks but that's all and found that I do better when i stick to the quota - not too far under it and if over then only just say no more than 50.

Here is a quite indepth post based on an article by Tom Venuto, if it helps =>
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/217761--unexplainable-fat-loss-plateaus-explained-tom-ve?hl=Fat+Loss+Plateaus&page=1#posts-2869993

bjohs

Plateaus happen when the body is ready for a change. There is no one answer to get someone out of a plateau since everyone may be needing something different. If you are exercising on a regular basis, take a look at your workout routine. Has it stayed the same for a while? Our bodies become efficient at burning calories when it gets used to doing the same thing all the time. Try changing things up!

Are you having a hearty breakfast? Our bodies are like cars that have a gas tank big enough to get us from point A to point B per day. You won't get very far if you're not fueling up! Protein will keep you energized and feeling fuller longer. Break the remaining meals down in to smaller caloric intakes and add a few snacks throughout the day. My personal belief is that 1/3 of your calories should be consumed at the first meal of your day! Otherwise, you are just running on empty.

Scales lie!!! Get yourself a measuring tape and a pair of jeans that are a size smaller than you wear now. Take your measurements and try those jeans on once per month. When they start feeling looser, you are making progress!

Finally, never give up! Our bodies plateau for a reason, it's just a matter of experimenting with different things until you find what your body is asking for. Every single person will find a different answer because we all have different needs. In my case, I was exercising too much and not eating enough. Once I found the correct balance, I lost weight quickly.

Good luck! You'll figure it out and come out smiling on the other side of the plateau.