We all start our diets with the best of intentions, and usually we lose weight for the first few weeks. But even if everything goes according to your weight loss plan, it is not uncommon for the rate of weight loss to slow down. You may start out losing one or two pounds a week, but after a few weeks you find yourself only losing half a pound or less per week.
How can you break through this weight loss plateau? Here are some suggestions to get back to your weight loss goals.
First, go back to writing down everything you eat and drink, just like you did when you first started your diet. Count your calories (or points if you are doing Weight Watchers, or carbs if you are doing Atkins). You may find that you are cheating, and that you are actually eating more than you thought. If so, cut back on the calories to your target calorie level. If you find you are having cravings for certain foods that you have eliminated from your diet, like chocolate or hamburgers, eat some! One chocolate bar or hamburger per week won't kill you, and it may just satisfy your cravings to get you back on track; just don't overdo it!
Next, increase your level of exercise, gradually. If you have been walking for 30 minutes per day, don't try to run a marathon tomorrow, but increase your walk to 40 minutes per day. The extra boost to your metabolism may get the fat burning again.
Even better, consider some new exercises. If you are just walking now, take up bicycling, or a sport, or even weight lifting. Weight lifting, also called resistance training, is a great way to burn calories, tone your muscles, and have fun.
Finally, make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids, to keep your body happy.
Everyone experiences weight loss plateaus. Don't get discouraged; use it as an excuse to vary your diet and exercise routine, and break through that weight loss plateau.
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