Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Plateaus

Weight loss plateaus. All of us have them, but what do you do when you get one?

Try mixing up your workout routine every 4-6 weeks. This helps challenge your body to break through the plateau.

If fat loss is what you are struggling with, make sure that the calories you are consuming are less than the calories expended. You may find that you are not eating enough and your body is storing the fat instead of burning it. If weight gain is the goal, you will want to make sure your are taking in more than you are putting out, but you certainly don't want to just eat more to gain lean muscle mass. If your not fueling your body with the proper nutrition, it could be taking the energy it needs from the muscles, therefore no gains will be made.

For both fat loss or muscle gain goals, it is very important to make sure you are eating the proper foods for your specific goal. This is where a professional really comes into play. They can help guide you on how much of each; lean protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats you should have in your diet and explain how each play a crucial role. 

Everyone is different with different health/fitness goals. If you are wanting to gain lean muscle mass and your spouse is needing to lose fat, your food plans should and will be different. 

Plateaus are frustrating and can sometimes lead one to quit. Don't give up! If the suggestions listed above don't work, seek advice from a professional for a workout plan and/or meal plan tailored just for your goals. Sometimes having an outsider come into the picture with fresh eyes is the best solution.  

Here's to your health and breaking those plateaus!!