It can be frustrating when you have nearly reached your weight loss goal, only to find that those last five stubborn pounds won’t go anywhere! This is what as known as a weight loss plateau, and it is perfectly normal phenomenon.
The plateau happens because your metabolism slows down while you lose weight. In order to get past a plateau, you will need to increase physical activity or consume fewer calories. When you reach a plateau, ask yourself if you’re satisfied with the amount of weight that you have lost. If the answer is yes, then simply maintain your current exercise and diet plan to maintain your weight. If the answer is no, then you will have to take some additional steps to get past the plateau and shed those last several pounds.
If you have kept a diet and exercise log, look at your log to make sure you haven’t slacked off in terms of portion control or working out. Cut about 200 calories from your diet — but make sure you are consuming at least 1,200 calories per day. Less than that and you’re bound to feel hungry, which increases your risk of overeating.
Adding 15 to 30 minutes to your workout routine can also help jumpstart your metabolism. If you’re comfortable upping the intensity of your workout, try that as well. And don’t restrict exercise to the gym — remember that other physical activity, such as housework, mowing the lawn and washing the car will help burn additional calories.
If these strategies aren’t successful, you may want to consult with a doctor, trainer, or dietitian. It’s possible that you initial goal was not a realistic one and you should just focus on maintaining your present weight. The important thing is that you don’t fall back into old eating habits or stop exercising, as this can result in regaining weight that could be harder to lose the second time around.