Losing weight can definitely be a journey filled with ups and downs. It often starts with a burst of motivation and progress, where you might see the numbers on the scale dropping steadily. Let face it when we all start something new we are motivated, excited about the new, anxious to see the out come.
However, it's not uncommon to hit a plateau where it feels like your progress has stalled, and this can be incredibly discouraging. When you kit that part, you feel like a failure. Why is it not going down?
Plateaus are a natural part of the weight loss process. Your body is constantly adapting to changes, and as you lose weight, your metabolism can slow down and your body may become more efficient at conserving energy. This can make it harder to continue losing weight at the same rate as when you first started. Some times at this part you have to change up the plan, Like everything in life we get use to what is being done. you have to shake it up.
So how do we do this?
Mix up your workouts: If you've been doing the same exercises for a while, try switching things up. Incorporate new types of exercise or increase the intensity or duration of your workouts to challenge your body in new ways.
Review your diet: Sometimes, small changes to your diet can make a big difference. Look for areas where you might be consuming more calories than you realize, such as snacks or portion sizes, and make adjustments accordingly. Keeping a journal of your eating habbits with help with this.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help with weight loss by keeping you feeling full and preventing overeating. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and more if you're exercising regularly or in hot weather. This has been mention before, Water is a big part of weight loss.
Manage stress: Stress can impact your weight loss efforts by triggering emotional eating or disrupting your sleep patterns. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can interfere with your body's ability to regulate appetite and metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support your weight loss goals. Maybe take a nap in the day, I am all for that.
Be patient and stay positive: Remember that weight loss is not always linear, and it's normal to experience ups and downs along the way. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and focus on making healthy choices that support your overall well-being. Being patient is not my stron suit, I often turn to God with this one. Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Let's put that on our fridges...
It's important to remember that plateaus are temporary and can be overcome with patience and persistence. Here are a few strategies to help break through a weight loss plateau: