20 pound weight loss plateau - Help

helimonster77
helimonster77 Posts: 6 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I am currently down 13 lbs! Yay! I have lost weight before and 20 lbs always seems to be a plateau for me. Once I hit that, I can't seem to get over that hump (my goal is 30 lbs). In the past, I have gotten frustrated and it resulted in some weight gain. I know that I am mentally more ready for this plateau this time, and I know I am doing this in a more healthy fashion than before (reducing calorie intake, balanced diet, healthy snacks, intense exercise at least 2-3 times a week, etc...).

In anticipation of hitting that 20 pound weight loss mark, I was wondering if anyone had advice for hitting a weight loss plateau and how to overcome it. Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • kburns213
    kburns213 Posts: 5 Member
    I understand your pain. I can get to 10 pounds from my goal weight then I just hit the wall. Sometimes I wonder if my body is just supposed to be this weight. Let me know if and how you beat it! And best of luck!
  • petefromguelph
    petefromguelph Posts: 84 Member
    Congrats on the 13 lb loss!!!

    I wouldn't stress about something that hasn't happened yet. You plateaued then, this is now! Put forth your positive energy into thinking of losing the 30 lbs! If you focus on the fact that you are going to plateau then you probably will. Get excited about the 30 you are going to lose! You can do it!

    Don't mean to sound crazy or anything but I am a big proponent of what you think about you bring about. All im saying is that you cant prepare for something that hasn't happened and will more than likely not happen! Enjoy the journey and im rooting for you!
  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator


    I wouldn't stress about something that hasn't happened yet.

    This^^^^^

    If it happens come back for advice at that time, until then keep doing what you are doing and enjoy life! If you are trying a different method you might just get different results this time :wink:
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    Can I ask how we're defining plateau in this case? I know it's pedantic, but a plateau is usually considered something like 4-6+ weeks without any change on the scale and no changes to your routine. If that happens, one of the ways I always recommend to shake it is to make sure you're logging as accurately as possible, not overestimating exercise calories, not eyeballing portion sizes, etc.

    If you're using the more colloquial definition of 2-3 weeks without a loss, then that's nothing to worry about usually. Weight loss isn't linear and you're going to have weeks with no loss (or even a slight gain) because your body is retaining water for one reason or another. Push through it and your body will catch up with you.
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    Recalculate your deficit, if you didn't know to do that before.

    Weigh and measure as much of your food as possible - start if you haven't been, keep it up if you do already.

    Make sure you otherwise keep on doing what you've been doing, and don't get too frustrated with a scale stall until it's been over a month - weight loss isn't linear and hormones are genius at temporarily masking it.

    Oh, and if you DO plateau, come here and ask for help with an open diary and an open mind.
  • helimonster77
    helimonster77 Posts: 6 Member
    Thanks! I sure will. I am determined that this is the time I beat it. Good luck to you too.
  • helimonster77
    helimonster77 Posts: 6 Member
    Thanks everyone! I think you are right that I need to wait and see if it does happen. If it does, I will wait and see if this "stall" is only the short 2-3 weeks (which is what I was referring too, thanks :) ) or if it is a longer 4-6 weeks and something that I need to try consider adjusting for. I really appreciate all the advice and support!

    Good luck to you all in your journeys too.
  • BrittanyMG3
    BrittanyMG3 Posts: 163 Member
    I used to plateau in the same spot for months..drove me crazy and I would give up.
    Stay strong! This time around I also anticipated it, my plan was to be extremely strict about the quality of my food, cut out all salt and drink lots of water as soon as I saw my plateau... it worked! today I am 46lbs under my plateau!

    Don't give up no matter what you do..even if you think it will never go down! TRUST ME, it will drop when you least expect it and it is NOT worth giving up over! If I had given up, I would still be over 200lbs right now, and I would never have seen 130's !today:flowerforyou:
    Good luck!!!
  • LoriaR84
    LoriaR84 Posts: 5
    I'm in the same boat. I started at 257 and now I fluctuate between 205 and 210. I wonder if I'm not drinking enough water or what..... It is frustrating, Any suggestions???


    8434533.png
  • LoriaR84
    LoriaR84 Posts: 5
    I used to plateau in the same spot for months..drove me crazy and I would give up.
    Stay strong! This time around I also anticipated it, my plan was to be extremely strict about the quality of my food, cut out all salt and drink lots of water as soon as I saw my plateau... it worked! today I am 46lbs under my plateau!

    Don't give up no matter what you do..even if you think it will never go down! TRUST ME, it will drop when you least expect it and it is NOT worth giving up over! If I had given up, I would still be over 200lbs right now, and I would never have seen 130's !today:flowerforyou:
    Good luck!!!

    I'm trying to get under 200 pounds myself. I will try some of your ideas and hope for the best. Thanks!
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    I'm in the same boat. I started at 257 and now I fluctuate between 205 and 210. I wonder if I'm not drinking enough water or what..... It is frustrating, Any suggestions???


    How long have you been stalled?

    You're logging everything? Including things like cooking oils, condiments, cheat days, veggies, etc?

    Are you using a food scale, measuring cups, or eyeballing your portion sizes?

    Are you eating back any of your earned exercise calories? If so, what method are you using to estimate your burn?

    Have you recalculated your calorie goals since losing weight?

    Opening your diary and starting your own thread could help to get you more specific advice.
  • markja
    markja Posts: 270 Member
    I had exactly the same thing happen to me. The key is persistence. Maintain a calorie deficit and exercise 3 times per week. It will take about a month or so but you'll break through.
  • BrittanyMG3
    BrittanyMG3 Posts: 163 Member
    I used to plateau in the same spot for months..drove me crazy and I would give up.
    Stay strong! This time around I also anticipated it, my plan was to be extremely strict about the quality of my food, cut out all salt and drink lots of water as soon as I saw my plateau... it worked! today I am 46lbs under my plateau!

    Don't give up no matter what you do..even if you think it will never go down! TRUST ME, it will drop when you least expect it and it is NOT worth giving up over! If I had given up, I would still be over 200lbs right now, and I would never have seen 130's !today:flowerforyou:
    Good luck!!!

    I'm trying to get under 200 pounds myself. I will try some of your ideas and hope for the best. Thanks!

    you're welcome! good luck! i am also on an awesome program, 21 day fix, love it! i started in march and have lost 31.5lbs since I started. :smile: if you really get stuck, you should look it up!

Categories