Weight Loss Plateau?

Do you find yourself hitting a plateau after losing initial weight, even though you're exercising regularly and eating right? The best single word of advice is Variety (this is what my last few blogs/comments have been), or, make a change. Don't make the mistake of doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result.

Here are some basic tips:
1. Change your daily calorie intake:
Instead of consuming 1800 calories each day - you can mix it up. Eat 1600 calories one day, and 2000 calories the next. Also add variety to the food that you eat. For example, instead of eating two eggs, a toast and fruit every day for breakfast, try steel cut oats with berries (add whey protein), or a protein shake, or sausage instead of egg. As long as your meal contains some carb, protein and fruit/veg. Sometimes you can change your portion size - just keep your body guessing!

It also makes sense to change the balance of your meal. If you have a carbohydrate snack every day at morning tea time - change it to a protein snack. Whatever you are doing consistently - try mixing it up a bit.

2. Change Meal Frequency:
If you are eating three square meals a day - start adding snacks in between (which may mean reducing the portion size of the main meals). Eating often will boost the metabolic rate and will also prevent you from gorging since you will not be ravenous because of shorter intervals between meals. Just try to keep within the calorie limit.

3. Strength Training:
If you are not doing this as part of your program or lifestyle, then it's time to start. Working your muscles will help to strengthen bone tissue, increase lean mass, and ultimately boost metabolic rate.

4. Change Your Exercise Routine:
Instead of running on the treadmill at the same pace for 40 minutes, try interval training - anything that will change the way your body is working. If you are doing low intensity cardio work, then try some high intensity exercise.

Instead of being obsessed with weight loss, give your body and mind a break and learn to eat intuitively since each person has a different body type and metabolism.