Hit a Plateau? This Tiny Tweak Makes a Huge Difference
In response to my post, Why you can't lose weight from exercise combined with caloric restriction, Vangie sent in the following email:
"loved this post! I too stayed without change for an extended period, and was encouraged that the body also has a "memory" of weight, especially if you held that weight for a long time. My son (who is a runner) had suggested brisk walking.
Previously I biked, and stationary biked 4 or more times a week. I began walking 2 miles 4-5 times a week and within a month inches just began to drop! I have been in exercise and weight training for over 30 years, having used every form of fitness to stay fit, and I discovered a simple change to my routine, made a huge difference! Thanks for all your meal plans, helpful tips, and suggestions, I've been tapping into them!"
When I was a personal trainer, many of my clients came to me after they too had reached a plateau, despite being active, working out regularly, and eating right.
There are a few issues in play with plateaus. For one, calorie restriction for weight-loss only works when you eat right. I saw that time and time again with my clients. WHAT you're eating often matters more than how many calories. (This is why I love the meal plans so much. It takes the guess work out of eating right. AND the calories are already counted and balanced for you!)
Second, you can't do the same exercises indefinitely. You have to keep changing your workout strategy for weight-loss and improvement, though I generally tell my clients not to exercise until they have reached their weight goals.
Point is, you can get in a rut with your exercise regimen, just as you can get in a rut with your diet. Change it up. Try new forms of exercise. Take a new class. Explore. Get outside of your comfort zone but most importantly: eat right!