Summary

The author describes the struggle with weight-loss plateaus after a significant weight reduction and suggests that plateaus may be a sign to focus on maintaining weight and embracing body positivity rather than pushing for further loss.

Abstract

The article discusses the challenges of overcoming weight-loss plateaus, particularly as one gets closer to their goal weight. The author, who has successfully lost 40 pounds, shares their experience with hitting multiple plateaus and the frustration that accompanied them. Initially, the author lost weight through diet and exercise but resorted to extreme calorie restriction during plateaus. The article emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body and recognizing when it might be time to shift from weight loss to weight maintenance. It also touches on the psychological aspects of weight loss, such as body image and the temptation to revert to old habits when progress stalls. The main takeaway is that it's okay to be content with the weight lost and to prioritize comfort and health over continuous weight loss.

Opinions

Plateaus in weight loss are a common and frustrating experience that may require a change in approach.
Extreme calorie restriction is not a sustainable or effective long-term strategy for overcoming a weight-loss plateau.
The body may signal through a plateau that it needs a period of maintenance and rest after significant weight loss.
It's important to focus on body positivity and feeling comfortable at one's current weight rather than pursuing relentless weight loss.
The journey of weight loss is not just physical but also psychological, involving a shift in mindset from losing weight to maintaining it.
Professional guidance from a nutritionist or trainer can be beneficial, but many people must navigate the challenges of weight loss on their own.

How to Overcome a Frustrating Weight-Loss Plateau

Plateaus are there to tell you something

I used to be 189 pounds at 5'3'’.

I was almost 50 pounds overweight. Now, I weigh 145 pounds. I’m so close to reaching my desired weight (135). But I have a huge fucking problem that isn’t addressed enough in the weight-loss community.

PLATEAUS.

I’ve hit at least two on my weight-loss journey so far.

We all know that the smaller you get, the harder it is to lose weight. I was on a roll at the beginning of my journey. I lost around 20 pounds just by eating healthy.

Once I began exercising for one hour per day, I lost about 10 more pounds until I hit my first plateau. I got so frustrated I didn’t know what to do with myself. I FORCED myself to eat only 1,200 calories per day because I couldn’t let my journey stop there.

Then, I was on another roll, until I hit another plateau. But I rectified it by starving myself again.

And here I am at my third one. I’m 10 pounds away from my goal, yet I can’t get past this hurdle. I tried starving myself twice a week, but it’s not working as much as it used to.

This is the longest plateau I’ve ever faced.

It’s so discouraging that I fell back into my old ways for a little bit. I ate more junk food than I should’ve.

Unless you have a nutritionist or a trainer, you’ll have to face these challenges alone. Base everything off your gut feeling.

I had to think about my body. I’m significantly skinnier than I used to be. I don’t have feet problems anymore because of my obesity. I also feel like I’m at a comfortable weight.

I used to suck my stomach in because I was embarrassed by how much I weighed.

Now, I have a small potbelly and I’m fine with it.

Sometimes plateaus are there to tell you that you’ve lost enough weight.

You’ve worked very hard to get here and it’s time for you and your body to take a rest.

Don’t let yourself go, but focus on maintaining your weight rather than losing it in such a short amount of time.

That 40 pounds I lost? I did it in 9 months — less than a year.

That’s crazy to do.

My body is probably on overload from that.

Main Takeaway

Be okay with the weight you’ve lost already.

As long as you feel more comfortable in your body, it’s okay to take a break from weight loss. You can focus on maintaining your weight and practicing more body positivity.

At the end of the day, you’re the one that needs to be comfortable at any weight you choose.

Get my free writing guide that can teach you how to build a writing habit in 90 days or less here.