If you’ve dabbled in health and fitness at any point, you’re likely well-acquainted with the term “plateau.” It’s that phase that often makes people lose their motivation and sometimes even give up on their fitness journey.
Here’s the deal: When you kick-start an exercise or nutrition program after a period of inactivity and less-than-ideal eating habits, the initial results tend to happen quite fast. You start feeling better within the first week, notice your clothes fitting better by week 2, and usually see significant progress on the scale around the 30-day mark.
Then, it strikes. The dreaded plateau.
This is when the rate of weight loss starts to level off, and shedding those pounds becomes a bit more challenging than it was in the first month.
Let me tell you, it’s entirely common and grounded in basic human physiology. As you lose weight, your body requires fewer calories to maintain your daily activities. Weight loss isn’t a straightforward process, and the more you lose, the more effort it takes to continue.
Here are a few tips to ensure that the plateau doesn’t trip you up on your journey to your ultimate goal:
1. Adjust: What worked for losing the first 10 pounds six weeks ago might not be the same formula for the next 10. You may need to add an extra workout or tweak your diet to see ongoing progress.
2. Be Aware: Research shows that people often overestimate their activity levels and underestimate their food intake. Tracking key metrics like workouts, meals, and water intake can make you more aware and lead to better results.
3. Focus on Getting Stronger: While endless miles on the treadmill can kickstart weight loss, it’s not the best approach for long-term success. Prioritize getting stronger – it’s the key to overall health and longevity.
If you’ve hit a plateau, don’t get discouraged. It’s just a part of the process. Try these tips to keep moving forward and reclaim your momentum.
Here’s to your continued success and progress!