Plateau Options

[skully]

Hi,
Has anyone hit a plateau yet? if so how long were you on the program for and how long did it take until you were over the plateau?

[MD]

You probably won't like this statement but, plateaus vary greatly. They can be for a few weeks, months, even years.
Sometimes, our bodies take time to process a new level of exercise and weight loss seems to stop for up to about 3 weeks.
But mostly, your body just needs a jump start. So look at your food, water and exercise. See if there are better changes that you can make. If everything really seems right, then exercise is probably the best choice to break it.
Try alternating your exercise with some weight training or toning tapes. Try to slowly add more exercise into your life. Even if it's just a slow 1/2 hr. walk once a week. Try to get more activity and bring it in slowly. Make sure that it's a level that you can continue long term.
One of the best specific ways to boost your weight loss is using interval training -- or having boosts of a higher level. Example: lets say you normally walk for 1/2 hr, 3 days per week. Try walking for 5 minutes at a slightly slower pace, then for 2 minutes walk at a higer pace. Return to the slower pace and keep alternating. This type of activity can help keep your heart rate at a good level plus extra boosts.
The Shapes gym is based around a system that uses shorter times on each machine. Many gyms have similar abilities.
Hope that helps!
MD

[skully]

Hi MD,
Thankyou for your reply. I have now taken to walking the days I don't do jazzercise, so three days per week. I have the JC walking tapes and I really love them I was, however, wondering if because I eat extra vegetables with my evening meals is causing my weight to stablise. I was told by my support person that I could have stir fry vegetables with my evening meals and that would be OK and not interfer with my weight quest. Could you please advise if you have a solution or anything

[MD]

I don't think that should make too much of a difference, but you may want to ask the dietitian. Most plateaus are primarily broken by exercise, or reinstating past progress of food or water.
So I'd say your best bet is exercise. See how the next few weeks go and what your counselor says. I have gone through losing a large amount one week, then 2-4 weeks without any loss or gain. It was merely my body getting used to new levels of exercise. Sometimes you never know what your body is going through.
I hope that helps. Good luck!
MD