The dreaded plateau
#239909 - 01/19/06 01:50 PM
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franny
Reged: 05/16/05
Posts: 508
Loc: N. FL
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Yep, I know most people get this when they are losing weight but it is driving me nuts. I was walking 2 miles a day, foods under 1300-1400 cals. I came down with shingles and the pain (and pain meds )has kept me tied down a few weeks. But walking or not walking my weight is hanging in at a 2 lb stage forever. 168 to 170 it alternates daily almost! I must put my thinking cap on and break this cycle that has lasted at least 3 months.
-------------------- Franny
IBS/D
Celiac
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The best way to bust through a plateau is to mix up your routine a bit. Change up the exercises you are doing - most likely, your body has gotten used to the ones you're doing/when you're doing them and has learned to adapt while hanging on to as much weight as it can (tricky!). So mix it up a little.
Maybe try quick bouts of running or speed walking alternating with slower walking? That's a GREAT way to lose weight because it keeps your body guessing, rather than doing a full time of mid-speed walking. For example - speed walk or jog for 2 minutes then walk slower for 2 minutes, then repeat. In general though, upping the intensity of your exercise if you can is probably a good idea at this point. So if you can, try to get in some running or jogging along with your walking!
It's probably also a good idea to look to your diet - not just how much you're eating but also what you're eating. The first thing I notice though with regard to how much is that for your weight you're hardly eating anything at all! It's possible your body is going into starvation mode and holding on to the pounds because it thinks it's starving. My advice? Up the calories, up the exericse, and make sure you're drinking lots of water.
But it's also important to look at WHAT you're eating. Junk food? If so cut it out as much as possible. Also considering adding a bit more protein to your diet - that can help break through a plateau, particularly if you consume more protein immediately after exercising.
HTH!
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Thanks so much for your advice. I'll try doing those things ASAP..
-------------------- Franny
IBS/D
Celiac
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