How to Overcome Plateaus in Your Weight Loss Progress?
It’s that time of year when we all begin to consider what additional weight we plan to drop this year. And while everyone knows there is no such thing as a “lazy winter” when it comes to weight loss, many of us are still stuck in a familiar plateau.
Plateaus can be extremely frustrating and overwhelming when your weight loss slows down. Looking back on previous months can often leave you feeling frustrated and unwilling to put in the hard work necessary to reach your next goal. But rather than giving up, try these tips for overcoming the plateaus in your weight loss progress.
Think About Why You’re On Plateau, And Goal Changes May Help You Break Through
Occasionally, it’s necessary to take a deep breath, back up, and consider the large picture. It’s unlikely that you will be able to put your energy into working on the things that need to be done if you are having a bad day and can’t see the jungle for the trees.
Instead of getting frustrat and giving up, try changing your approach slightly. Give yourself credit for your work, remind yourself that you will need to put more in during the coming months to get where you want to be, and then try again with a new approach the next day.
Play The Fidget Card
Many ways exist to combat the feeling of being stuck on a plateau. One of them is to play the fidget card. This is where you try to use the little muscles in your fingers and toes to help release any excess pressure in your body. This can be very helpful when you’re feeling stuck on a specific diet or fitness plan. So instead of gritting your teeth and trying to will yourself to do something different, try using your little muscles to help you release any extra energy you’re feeling.
Go For A Walk
Walking is a natural way to combat plateaus in your weight loss progress. You can set a goal to walk at least one hour daily, and even when you don’t feel like it, permit yourself to wander elsewhere. When you’re stuck on a plateau, sometimes the best thing to do is take a break and walk around the block. Instead of feeling guilty for spending a little time out, appreciate the silence and the fresh air.
Eat Fewer Packets Of Caffeine-Based Foods
While too much caffeine can cause a crash later in the day and slow your progress, it can also be an excellent way to start the day. If you’re experiencing a caffeine plateau, try to maintain your caffeine intake, but avoid eating foods with a lot of caffeine. Instead, try to eat healthier fats like avocados, almonds, or macadamia nuts and less processed foods like granola bars and energy drinks.
Try A New Habit
Sometimes you need a break from dieting. You often want to relax and take it easy, but you still need to ensure you’re hitting your fitness goals. Try a new fitness habit first. Walking, dancing, or taking a yoga class can often help you travel down a different path and clear your head.
Try An Exercise Targeted At Your Plateau
Sometimes it’s better to work towards your goal slowly and in small steps than to push yourself to the brink of tears only to give up and start all over again. Exercising in a room without windows, mirrors, and no distraction is a great way to help you avoid violating your personal space. When it comes to weight loss, exercise can be unique.
For some people, walking around their house or neighbourhood might be manageable, while exercising in public is too much for others. If this is the case for you, there are plenty of ways to start exercising. A great way to target your plateaus is, to begin with, something low-impact, like yoga or walking.
Stay Motivated With Motivational Music
Even though you’re feeling frustrated, plan on staying motivated to continue your weight loss journey with these tips. Remember to open your eyes and ears to new ideas and ways to improve your technique. If you’re feeling stuck, try to dig into your past and identify what goals and plans worked for someone else.
Finally, Be Sure To Update Your Nutrition And Check On Your Diet Consistency
If you’re finding that you’re consistently making poor food choices or not eating the right foods at all times, it may be time to update your diet and fitness habits. But first, check in with your doctor or dietitian to ensure you’re not just eating the wrong things but also sitting for hours without any movement that’s too light for your weight loss goals.
Do This Instead Of The Plateaus: Start Small And Simple
If you aim to lose a small amount of weight every month, you can do much worse than starting with this simple 5-minute-per-day challenge. While there is no one time of the day you need to be doing these challenges, the best way to overcome a plateau is to start small and simple. If getting out of a recliner is difficult, stand up and move a little. If you need to sit down more often, try bringing a chair when you walk or move.
Conclusion
Plateaus are incredibly common in weight loss challenges. While they are not something to be feared, they can be very frustrating when weight loss slows. However, plateaus can be highly motivating when you understand how they happen and how to overcome them. Further, trying a weight loss program can bring effective results. You can also visit a slimming centre in Dubai for better results.
Remember, you can always start again and try a new approach daily. For example, stand up and take a few steps if you struggle to get out of a chair. If you need to sit down more often, try bringing a chair when you walk or move.