Have You Reached A Weight Loss Plateau?

Have you found yourself doing everything right as far as proper nutrition and exercise, and ended up losing x amount of pounds, but then stopped at a certain weight level and couldn't get past it? This is called a weight loss plateau.

I myself experienced a weight loss plateau at around 270-280 pounds.

When I first started on my weight loss journey, I was weighing in at around 300 pounds. Then, as I continued to eat properly, exercise my butt off, and do everything right, I lost 30 pounds! Woo-hoo!! I'm so happy!! Oh wait....son of a b***....as quickly as I got excited, is as quickly as I got extremely frustrated....I could not get past 270 freaking pounds!

Little that I knew at the time, I was experiencing a weight loss plateau. Although I didn't realize this, I actually did the things I needed to do to break this plateau. It was simple: UP THE TEMPO! I was kicking a** and taking names on cardio and weight training, and I ate even more healthier and leaner. The end result? I finally got past the 270 mark!!

But what causes a weight loss plateau and what to do about it?

Here is an excerpt from freedieting.com:

Over time our bodies adapt to the lowered calorie level. Our body becomes more efficient at using energy (lowered metabolism), and therefore burns less fat.

This is why most of us reach a weight loss plateau. At this point, the only option is to boost metabolism; increased cardio, weight training, 'cheat' meals (i.e. occasional high-calorie meals), and even manipulating macro-nutrient ratios can all help to do this (don't forget adequate sleep and hydration). You often find that the nearer you get to your goal weight (or body fat percentage) - the harder things get!

Continually dropping calories only serves to lower metabolism even further - the moment you return to 'normal' eating - the weight comes back on.

So, to avoid a weight loss plateau, I recommend for you to increase your level of fitness as you become more accustomed to your current level and as the weight drops off. Also, with nutrition, the same theory applies: Decrease the amount of calories you eat AS you lose weight since at each weight level, we all need different amounts of daily calorie intake. Do not decrease the amount of calories you consume right from the get go, because this can lower your metabolism since your body is sensing starvation. With a lower metabolism, your body will begin to store fat as a way of 'protecting' you.

Now, if I only knew this stuff in the beginning, I wouldn't have had a mountain of headaches trying to figure out why I wasn't getting past 270 pounds! lol

To take it a step further, I recommend for you to take a look at which puts an emphasis on making sure you lose weight, burn fat, build and MAINTAIN lean muscle, but also in making sure you consistently do so without hitting a weight loss plateau! This is an excellent program for men or women, and is for any age leve