Overcoming a Plateau...

[L-O-V-E]

Does anyone have any advice on how to get past this plateau that I'm on?? Here is my deal... I started working out the second week of January and I'm down 10 pounds. My routine is typically to work out 4-5 times a week with an aerobics class on Mondays, 2-3 spinning classes (Tues/Wed/Thurs), and then a body scultping class on Fridays. Sometimes I drop either a spin or the body sculpting class though depending on how tired I am (I have a 7 month old who isn't sleeping so well lately). Problem is that for the past few weeks I haven't dropped a pound. I am still nursing, but I'd say my caloric intake is somewhere around 1500 calories.

How do I get past this? SHoudl I switch up my routine? Add in weight training??

Thanks in advance.

[carrie9142]

Counterintuitively, it looks like you need to up your calories. 1500 isn't enough for workouts AND nursing. Breastfeeding is a big calorie burner-between 300 to 500 extra calories a day. Seems like one of those times when your body starts shutting down due to the demands put on it. You might add in two high protein/high carb snacks like cottage cheese with fruit, or half a WW bagel with some PB and string cheese.

Switching up your routine is also a good bet. Try to turn up the weight lifting or get on the elliptical machine for a few weeks instead of your current workouts.

Good luck on losing (what I assume) the babyweight! Your dedication is admirable :)

[linekelei]

I agree-up your calories. 1500 is low for someone who's exercising several days a week and trying to lose weight, and that's without the breastfeeding. I'd up your cals to 1800 or 2000. Also, when I'm stuck on a plateau (like right now) I always lose weight (like this week) when I indulge in some not so great things, like 25 Girl Scout cookies! :o You might also change up your routine-do more weights and less cardio, or try different cardio.

[carrie9142]

Also, when I'm stuck on a plateau (like right now) I always lose weight (like this week) when I indulge in some not so great things, like 25 Girl Scout cookies!

ME TOO! I had hit a plateau/gained a little weight. Last week I was perfect and I lost about 1.5 lbs. Then over the weekend, I ate tons! And then had pizza and chocolate chip cookies yesterday. Today I weiged 1.5 lbs LESS than my lowest last week.:eek: If only I could capture what makes a binge cause a loss instead of a gain, I would be a millionaire!!!

[linekelei]

Sometimes I think my body needs the shock of a lot of food to realize it's not starving and let go of the weight I'm trying to lose.

[L-O-V-E]

Thank you so much for the replies. That actually makes a lot of sense about the calories now that you mention it. I guess I just need to be sure to add the right kind of calories. Typically my day is:
Breakfast - a smooth with yogurt, whey powder, banana, and strawberries
Lunch - Either a chicken breast from a rotisserie chicken with mayo, or two poached eggs on an english muffin with salsa and shreaded cheese
Dinner - Something healthy and somewhat balanced! :)

Plus there are some snacks thrown in there in the afternoon. But I guess you are right - that is probably not enough for working out and breastfeeding.

Thanks so much. I'll be taking your advice and report back! :)

~Lori

[princesse]

I was reading this thread and laughing because it was precisely the girlscout cookies (thin mints) that broke my plateau! Maybe we are onto something girls! I was at the same place for awhile and after a spree with a sleeve of the choco wonders the next day the scale popped down. I think I will be reaching for a few today!

[L-O-V-E]

:) Ok. I definitely need to give in and just go for the sweets this weekend!

[njdiva]

I wanted to post in here as well... I have also hit a plateau and I have consistently been going to the gym on a regular basis. I am going to TRY to stop eating by 8pm...

(it's just tough for me since I get home late from class)...

[princesse]

Some serious things that have helped me: I don't eat dinner and have really cut snacking. I convinved myself that stuff just isn't that good. Kind of an aversion therapy type thing. Everyone preaches portion size, and after awhile you just kind of stop it. You stop eating the bad stuff. It isn't good anymore. I have bouts where I do cave, but when you have the cushion of the extra pounds that are gone it is ok.

My friend had a quote on her fridge that I think of, "nothing tastes as good as being thinner feels". When I was first starting to lose that really helped get me through some times I needed to walk away! During the "trying to break the plateau it helps sometimes.

[L-O-V-E]

LOVE that quote!!! Thanks for the suggestions.

I have cut out all snacking and it seems to be helping a bit. Maybe I was eating more than I thought? I dunno...