You did it! You’ve started your fitness journey. You’re consistently going to the gym, making smarter food choices and even noticing positive changes in your body. Months have passed and this is part of your daily routine. You’re excited with your progress.
BUT suddenly, you’ve encountered a problem: you’ve hit a plateau.
But how did this happen? You seem to be doing everything right, yet your progress has come to a standstill.
We know this can be frustrating, but it’s important to note that this is extremely common!
Before we can get into what causes a plateau and how we can overcome this stage in our journey, we must first understand what is a weight loss plateau. A weight loss plateau is simply a period during a weight loss journey where progress seems to stall or slow down significantly.
Generally, at the beginning of any weight loss journey, you tend to lose weight because you have cut calories and lost water, fat and some muscle. This effect is temporary because as you lose weight, you start burning fewer calories, eventually reaching a plateau.
Check out these five reasons behind your plateau and how to overcome:
Overtraining
We get it! You’re trying to get these results as quickly as possible. However, pushing yourself too hard can hinder your progress. We recommend prioritizing rest and recovery, which is essential for rebuilding and repairing your muscles.
Remember rest days are important, don’t neglect them.
Improper Nutrition
Improper nutrition can range from overeating to undereating and everything in between. Excessive consumption of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods like processed snacks can disrupt progress. To overcome this, prioritize nutrient-dense whole foods, balance macro-nutrients, avoid extreme diets, stay hydrated and seek professional guidance if needed.
Lack of Sleep
Getting the required amount of sleep is vital for not only your physical health but your mental and emotional health. Lack of Sleep can disrupt hormone levels making it much more difficult to lose weight. This can also add stress to your body.
We recommend getting at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
Not Switching Up Your Workouts
Change is always important! To see progress in your body, you have to ensure that your workouts are not only consistent but varied. Doing the same workouts can cause your body to adapt which can eventually cause a plateau. Instead, switch up your workout to keep your muscles challenged.
Unrealistic Expectations
One thing you must be on this journey is honest with yourself. Weight Loss can be a slow process and when you don’t see results as quickly as you expect it’s natural to grow frustrated and demotivated. When progress seems to slow down, it is important to reassess your goals to be more realistic and achievable. This can help in overcoming physical and mental barriers.
Overcoming a weight loss plateau can be challenging but if you take heed of the aforementioned tips, we can assure you that you will begin to see a change in your results.
Don’t give up! Remember, nothing good comes easy. You should also consult your fitness trainer/coach for the most qualified fitness advice.