Weight Loss Plateau: Why It Happens & How You Can Beat It
Seeing the pounds you lose as you commit to dieting and exercise is an exciting feat. However, there will be a point where you’ll notice how you no longer lose weight at the same rate. For some people, losing weight stops at all. This is what people call a weight loss plateau.
Have you noticed that you are stuck in the frustrating weight loss plateau? Here are some things you may consider doing.
Why Does a Weight Loss Plateau Happen?
A weight loss plateau happens because your body becomes accustomed to the workouts and diet you’re doing when losing weight. At first, you will see the amount of weight you lose each day, but as your body becomes accustomed to it, weight loss will become slower.
Why is this happening? Your body will begin to hold onto the energy it needs by storing any excess calories you consume. This process is called adaptive thermogenesis, and it’s why you may not be losing weight anymore even if you’re still doing the same. If you keep consuming the same amount of calories, your body will adjust and no longer burn those extra calories.
How Can You Escape a Weight Loss Plateau?
The good news is you can still beat your weight loss plateaus. Here are some ways to get past this obstacle in your weight loss journey.
1. Change Up Your Exercise Intensity or Frequency
If you have been doing your regular workout routine consistently, it’s time you add something new. You can try doing intense workouts for a week or more intense workouts for a few days. Another option for you is to play around with the frequency of your exercises.
You can increase or decrease the frequency of working out your arms, legs, or entire body. The point here is to shake things up so your body will stop thinking that it’s getting the same thing over and over again. Doing this will make your body hungry for change and result in intense weight loss.
2. Keep a Food Journal
Being stuck in a weight-loss plateau may be because of what you’re eating. Keep track of what you’re eating and how much of it you’re consuming. Jot down your daily calorie intake and make sure it’s what you planned.
If your calorie intake exceeds your calorie burn, you will notice that you’re not losing weight anymore. Avoid cutting calories excessively. Instead, focus on eating better food. Focus on quality food instead of quantity.
3. Get at Least Six Hours of Sleep Daily
Sleep is an essential part of your weight loss journey. Getting enough sleep not only boosts your metabolism but it will help you control your appetite. If you’re not getting at least six hours of sleep every night, your body will be in a “starvation mode,” resulting in unnecessary hunger. Your body will send signals to itself to eat more than what you need, leading to weight gain.
4. Add More Fiber to Your Diet
Fiber is essential for losing weight. Fiber helps your body digest food more efficiently and shut down the hunger hormones. You can get more fiber by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can also add some fiber supplements to your diet.
5. Avoid Stressors in Your Life
Stress is also a significant factor that leads to a weight loss plateau. When you’re stressed, you tend to comfort eat. These comfort foods are full of fat and calories, leading to weight gain.
If you feel yourself being stressed, take time to relax. You can meditate or listen to calming music to reduce your stress level for the day and get back on track with your weight loss.
Final Thoughts
Weight loss plateaus are challenging to deal with because it seems like you’re doing everything right, but progress is not happening. The good news is you can get past this obstacle in simple ways—like the tips above.
For men’s and women’s weight loss tips, check out Rhythmic Health today. We are committed to helping people solve their health challenges, hit their goals, and improve their lives. Sign up for our newsletter today and get the latest health and nutrition news straight to your inbox!
