OK... so I finally got around to actually reading that block of copy that people post along with WHEE diaries. You know, the one that looks like this:
WHEE (Weight, Health, Eating and Exercise) is a community support diary for Kossacks who are currently or planning to start losing, gaining or maintaining their weight through diet and exercise or fitness. Any supportive comments, suggestions or positive distractions are appreciated. If you are working on your weight or fitness, please -- join us! You can also click the WHEE tag to view all diary posts.
You know what? When you show up here you are promised a host of amazing benefits--absolutely free! So being that it’s Thursday, thought it would be a good time to cash in on all those "supporting comments", "suggestions" and "positive distractions" that you’ve sworn an oath to provide. More after the jump.
Today’s topic is the dreaded weight-loss plateau.
Have read some amazing stories here over the past few weeks about people who have lost weight, become more fit, started new exercise programs and are excited about whether they are going. Not me. After tipping the scales at 231 in January, started exercising and eating better. In May, joined Weight Watchers. By mid-September, had lost more than 35 pounds.
Fast forward two months later – not exercising much, no longer counting points. Not really doing much of anything. In essence I’ve taken myself out of the program and I’m starting to wonder "is this it?"
ACTION ALERT: Insert "supporting comment" below.
Anyone else out there feel like you’ve hit a plateau? Or am I the only one?
Now I still have 30 pounds to go in order to officially lose my status as an "overweight American" but I am not going to get there unless I start re-engaging. But lately, I’m telling myself "tomorrow" an awful lot.
Now the Google machine does have a lot of advice for individuals who have hit the proverbial plateau. This one Web site really captured my mood:
You were making significant, steady gains for a while, and then bam! your progress screeched to a halt.
In my research leading up to today’s diary, some experts point to the physical reasons. Sort of the notion that your body eventually gets accustomed to your typical levels of food intake and exercise and sees no further reason to adapt.
Some suggestions include:
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Change your workout. Many suggest interval training (alternate harder intensities with easier intensities) or circuit training (combining high-intensity aerobics with resistance/weight training)
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Double check your diet. Apparently, bad habits have a way of creeping back in unless you keep score.
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Mix up your intake. If you’ve targeted a combination of 50% carbs, 30% protein and 20% fat, try decreasing the carbs and bumping up the protein.
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Exercise more. Add five to ten minutes to your regular routine, or squeeze in an extra 10-minute walk.
ACTION ALERT: Insert your "suggestion" below.
Any other ideas? How can someone get out of the rut, past the plateau and break through the wall?
In addition to the physical (food intake/exercise) components, there is also a motivation component. And it doesn’t help when people say "you look great, you shouldn’t lose any more weight". And face it, I’m just naturally lazy.
So I’m thinking that maybe I have to set some modest goals. Or get someone to give me a kick in the arse. Or maybe I should just forget that whole "live healthier" thing for a while.
ACTION ALERT: Insert your "positive distraction" below.
So let’s talk about something else. Anyone see V this week?
Well, that’s what you promised.
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As you can tell, pretty much anything goes when it comes to WHEE diaries! Sign up and tell your story, share some insights and become involved. Just reply to the tip jar and we’ll add you to the schedule.
November 19
Thurs AM - Ed G
Thurs PM - ???
November 20
Fri AM - ???
Fri PM - ???
November 21
Sat AM - ???
Sat PM - Edward Spurlock (Kessler, Ch. 25)
November 22
Sun AM - DV Wonk (Tips for Thanksgiving & Open Thread)
Sun PM - Wee Mama hosts Holiday Fit Club this Sunday evening
November 23
Mon AM - NC Dem
Mon PM - ???
November 24
Tues AM - ???
Tues PM - Clio2 (Kessler, Ch. 26)
November 25
Weds AM - ???
Weds PM - ???