This Article is from Life Script News letter. It is one we all face so wanted to give my brain a rest and share. Enjoy
Q: When we hit a plateau and get stuck, how do we get back to losing again?
-Bonnie Hartley, a Lifescript Facebook fan
A: That’s a great question, because everyone who’s on a weight-loss program long enough will eventually come face-to-face with the plateau.
You know how it goes. You’re eating healthy, exercising and staying motivated and energized by the declining number on the scale, when out of nowhere, you can’t seem to move that number.
This is one of the most frustrating situations you face while dieting, and it’s a major cause for many people to wave the white flag of surrender.
But what seems to be an impenetrable brick wall is really an important, life-altering fork in the road. Before I go any further, however, let’s first define our terms.
Simply put, a weight-loss plateau occurs when, despite continuing to do what has got you this far, you can’t seem to lose any more weight. It’s typical because losing weight is initially easier, since the bulk of weight you lose in the first few weeks is mostly the result of water.
Then, in order to break through the inevitable plateau, you typically need to increase your activity level and/or decrease the calories you take in.
The real battle, however, is the emotional impact that not losing weight brings to the forefront. A weight-loss plateau is a direct attack on your motivation to continue.
-Bonnie Hartley, a Lifescript Facebook fan
A: That’s a great question, because everyone who’s on a weight-loss program long enough will eventually come face-to-face with the plateau.
You know how it goes. You’re eating healthy, exercising and staying motivated and energized by the declining number on the scale, when out of nowhere, you can’t seem to move that number.
This is one of the most frustrating situations you face while dieting, and it’s a major cause for many people to wave the white flag of surrender.
But what seems to be an impenetrable brick wall is really an important, life-altering fork in the road. Before I go any further, however, let’s first define our terms.
Simply put, a weight-loss plateau occurs when, despite continuing to do what has got you this far, you can’t seem to lose any more weight. It’s typical because losing weight is initially easier, since the bulk of weight you lose in the first few weeks is mostly the result of water.
Then, in order to break through the inevitable plateau, you typically need to increase your activity level and/or decrease the calories you take in.
The real battle, however, is the emotional impact that not losing weight brings to the forefront. A weight-loss plateau is a direct attack on your motivation to continue.
This is why I continue to preach about the importance of not making pounds lost your primary motivation. You can significantly reduce the emotional intensity of this struggle and greatly improve your potential for long-term success if you don’t make weight loss the main focus.
That’s a tall order for most, but if you make healthy eating your motivation and not pounds lost, the plateau will not create the same type of emotional turmoil.
Another reason to make healthy eating your primary motivation is that motivation will have a much longer lifespan.
If weight loss is your motivation, what happens when you hit a plateau or, better yet, reach your weight-loss goal?
In both cases, you also lose your motivation. However, if healthy eating is your motivation, it will survive each of these scenarios.
If you find yourself struggling with a plateau, Lifescript has 9 ways to overcome this weight-loss obstacle:
They include:
1. Change up your routine.
2. Move with the seasons.
3. Make routines playful.
4. Add random intervals.
5. Learn a new skill.
6. Slow down.
7. Set multiple goals.
8. Adjust your thinking.
9. Bribe yourself.
That’s a tall order for most, but if you make healthy eating your motivation and not pounds lost, the plateau will not create the same type of emotional turmoil.
Another reason to make healthy eating your primary motivation is that motivation will have a much longer lifespan.
If weight loss is your motivation, what happens when you hit a plateau or, better yet, reach your weight-loss goal?
In both cases, you also lose your motivation. However, if healthy eating is your motivation, it will survive each of these scenarios.
If you find yourself struggling with a plateau, Lifescript has 9 ways to overcome this weight-loss obstacle:
They include:
1. Change up your routine.
2. Move with the seasons.
3. Make routines playful.
4. Add random intervals.
5. Learn a new skill.
6. Slow down.
7. Set multiple goals.
8. Adjust your thinking.
9. Bribe yourself.
When all is said and done, dealing with the weight-loss plateau is different for everyone. I do believe, however, that where you initially place your focus and attach your motivation wagon to is the key to mastering this balancing act.
That’s why I always encourage people to focus on eating healthy and just let the weight loss be what it is… a wonderful and natural side effect of healthy living.
Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
That’s why I always encourage people to focus on eating healthy and just let the weight loss be what it is… a wonderful and natural side effect of healthy living.
Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
www.innerdiet.com
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Talk to us on Facebook and Twitter!
Follow Dr. Sklare on Health Bistro!
Stressed? Angry? Not over your ex? Email your question to Dr. Sklare to get expert advice! Ask Dr. Sklare
Check out Health Bistro for more healthy food for thought. See what Lifescript editors are talking about and get the skinny on latest news. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!
Talk to us on Facebook and Twitter!
Remember March 24th at Eagle Rim Park. Walk A Thon. Hope to see you there.
Stress Reducers:
Deep Breathing X10
Walking
Work out at the Gym
Words of Wisdom:
A JOURNEY starts with one step!
May the LORD keep and bless you always for HIS glory!
Have a great Sabbath. See you on Sunday with some new/old recipes.
Tom
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