Question:
Just curious...how often do you plateau?
I didn't see this in the library, but I was wondering how often one plateaus while they are losing all this weight. I seem to lose about 20lbs then plateau for 3wks and then the same thing all over again. I just wondered if others out there experience the same thing. I pictured myself losing steadily for months at a time. — Mimi S. (posted on September 4, 2003)
September 4, 2003
Mimi- There are a few issues to resolve as you evaluate plateauing. First,
the body just doesn't intend itself to drop weight steadily-- its goal
really is to conserve fat in case we face another ice age (seriously, we
are hardwired to conserve our energy for times of famine). So, the trick
for consistent weight loss is to make adjustments as the weight loss is
slowing (rather than waiting until it has stopped for weeks). You always
need to evaluate if you are consuming enough calories every day to convince
your body that it does not need to slow down your metabolism to conserve
energy. You also need to count the grams of protein you are consuming (try
increasing your daily protein intake to at least 60-80 grams when weight
loss slows). You also need to measure the amount of carbohydrate you are
consuming. When my weight loss slows, I cut my carbs to about 15 grams a
day (my usual average is 40 grams a day) and try to boost my protein intake
to at least 80 grams; by sustaining this regimine for a few days, I have
been able to avoid plateaus of longer than 4-5 days (which is how I've been
able to drop 252 pounds in 11 months and reach my goal). It really is a
long process that requires constant tweaking. Good luck in finding a
system that will work for you long term.
— SteveColarossi
September 5, 2003
I hit one at 2 months out, about 3 wks long and again at four months, also
3 wks. Then I lost 10 lbs in 10 days. I haven't changed anything, but
will try what Steve suggested.
— Gail O.
September 5, 2003
I plateau every month like clock-work. 3 week plateau, one week of
weight-loss. It has been every month for 5 months.
— M B.
September 5, 2003
As usual I agree with Steve. I have to constantly monitor everything and it
has helped me to avoid plateaus altogether. I keep food diaries that not
only track what I am eating and the nutrients but also how different foods
make me feel and effect cravings, etc... All that said, there are women who
will only lose weight during certain times of the month and then they will
lose big. I really measure my weight loss by the month even though I weigh
in weekly. Hormones can be a huge factor for some of us. I seem to have a
whopping week then a slower week. I make sure that I get at least 80 grams
of protein per day and have found that my water consumption directly
correlates to my weight loss every week. I still have to force the fluids
but when I am lazy about it the weight loss slows for sure. I don't believe
that plateaus are a given and we do hae some control over them. If you are
losing consistently around your cycle though I would just accept that it is
the way that it works for you. As Steve said, it is all about the constant
awareness and tweaking.
— Carol S.
September 5, 2003
I hate to be the party pooper...okay, no I don't but, I have only had one
week out of 31 that I didn't lose any weight. What's my secret??? I don't
know! I always get in 60-80 ounces of water, drink protien supplements and
put protien first at meals...most of the time - and POOF the weight just
keeps coming off. I haven't tracked my calories or carbs for almost two
months now. I only eat carbs every couple of days - like 2-3 bites of a
tortilla or bread or a few crackers with meat and cheese, etc. I'm also
consistantly trying to eat a little more (at six months I was only able to
eat about 1/3 cup). I never worry about fat and don't worry to much about
how many meals/snacks I eat a day (usually 2-4). I exercised faithfully
early on but haven't done a thing in about two months now. I know....good
for me. But, the thing to think about here is that we are all different
people with different lifestyles and different surgeries making different
choices every day and while it's hard not to compare we all still need to
remember that the goal is to be healthy...no matter how we get there or how
long it takes. Good luck with your continued weight loss.
— eaamc
September 5, 2003
Well, you *are* losing steadily ... it's just that your graph isn't a
straight line. I have to ask what difference it makes, whether you lose a
certain amount every day, or every week, if, at the end of a month, the
total amount lost is the same? Until I was very close to goal, I weighed
in every few weeks, or sometimes, I waited as a long as a month. I tossed
the scale as soon as I hit my first plateau (at 2 1/2 weeks out), because I
was danged if I was gonna sit around despairing about the rate of my weight
loss -- I knew it was nothing more than mental torture to play that game on
myself. I had no idea that I "plateaued" a lot until I started
weighing myself more often as I neared goal, and I am absolutely sure I
benefitted from *not* burdening myself with that information in the early
months. I think if you want to track how you're doing -- and it's only
natural to want to do it, of course!! -- you're better off tracking what
you eat every day, on fitday.com, and/or tracking your exercise (meaning,
how much faster or further or stronger you're getting), rather than jumping
on the scale or reaching for the tape measure all the time. JMHO.
— Suzy C.
September 5, 2003
heya hun..i plateau all the time..lol.. and it used to really upset
me..lol.. (still does at times).. but..i also..steady lose when im not on a
plateau.. i was told ..the body needs time to adjust to the wt
loss..but..im almost 10 months out.. past the original goals set for me and
by me..and on to new ones.. i wouldnt worry.. but..if you do..evealuate
your lifestyle..do you get in your water, your protien, vitamins,
exercise..?..all important to your health..all probably gonna help ya
out..if you are doing everything ya supposed to.. then give it a bit of
time..it will start again.. feel free to email me if ya like..good
luck..huggles n bb..
— johanna F.
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