How to get past a plateau and move forward?

ZeroTX

Folks,

My weight loss has slowed down, and during spring break I gained and now have lost that again. The "net" is that I'm down so far in 2012, but the speed has slowed dramatically with a lot more upward fluctuations happening than what I'm comfortable with. MFP is set to 2lbs/week loss (and yes, I update it regularly to get the calorie count adjusted for current weight), but my loss has slowed to 0.5 or less per week, even when I'm spot-on with my calories (which admittedly has been less-strict lately than it was originally).

I know I should exercise to speed it up some, but I also know that 80% of weight loss is what you eat and drink, so I'm open to suggestions as to how to change it up to get my body cranking again.

Just as a note: even when strictly adhering to the "2lb/week" calorie level from MFP, I've never consistently done 2lbs/week loss. At best 1.1-1.5lbs/week. However, I'd be pretty happy to do 1.5/week consistently over months. My goal is "one-der-land" and maintaining that healthy weight for the rest of my life.

I feel good about where I am so far... I've not been as thin as I am now since middle school. Nonetheless, I need to move forward.

Thanks,

Z

kylee_marie

Hi Z...
I am feeling the same way. I know i need to add some exercise but I am struggling with finding the time. I know it CAN be done, it is just a matter of doing it. I would try and add something in there, even if it is just walking or playing outside with the kids (if you have any). As far as the calories go I have had a little success getting things kickstarted again by zig zagging my calories. Also try incorporating as much fresh, unprocessed foods as possible. Hope that helps a little!! You have done such a great job so far and I am sure you will break through this plateau in no time
K

AeolianHarp

You need to provide a lot more information such as:
(1) How much do you currently weigh?
(2) What's your caloric intake and macronutrient composition?
(3) How long have you been dieting straight without a significant break?

ZeroTX

You need to provide a lot more information such as:
(1) How much do you currently weigh?
(2) What's your caloric intake and macronutrient composition?
(3) How long have you been dieting straight without a significant break?

1) 288lbs (started at 344 in June 2011)
2) 1880 calories, and I don't fine-tune any other nutrients, although I prefer little to no refined sugar
3) I've been dieting pretty consistently (with short mess-ups for holidays) since August 2011.

Thanks!

AeolianHarp

You have nothing to lose, so try a diet break, which means eating at maintenance calories for two weeks. The goal here is simply to help hormones regulate themselves. After two weeks, eat at 1880 calories again. I've experimented with this myself and it always works.

ADTeachTX

My weight loss has slowed significantly too. I think that we both need to start some exercise...