Plateaus (or trouble getting started)

I know it seems crazy for me to put more advice out there while I'm cutting back on exercise and only barely able to keep from gaining (none so far, but I feel like it's just around the corner...The longer I go without exercise, the easier it is to skip it.)

If you are stuck on a plateau, however, or if you are starting a regimen and not seeing results, there are a few things you can try. I have found some of these to be very helpful, but I would recommend trying them in the following order.

1. Reassess:
A. Look again at what you are eating. Are you counting all calories? Mayo added to a sandwich must be counted along with all the incidentals we sometimes forget. A lot of seasonings are zero calories, but check those mixtures. A packet of onion soup mix added to your yogurt dip is 50 calories. "I'm just going to have a couple of my kid's french fries" turns into 6-10 fries? Count it. I am pretty lax about counting calories now (I will eat 2 fries and not count them), but in the beginning or when re-booting your eating habits, it is important to count every little item. If you haven't changed your caloric intake, but you've lost a few pounds, it might also be time to cut another 200 calories. Just remember; according to most medical advice and nutritionists, you should eat at least 1200 calories a day. If you were eating 1200 calories and you think that's the problem, you may have to skip to the last resort (below).
B. Are you still exercising the same as when you began? We started going for walks, but have slowly increased speed. At one point, we both slowed weight loss so much that it was practically stable. That meant it was time to add distance. If you've become accustomed to your workout, it might be time to push a little harder or add a little more. Second idea, change it out. I also found that by adding some strength training into my routine 2-3 times a week, it jump started me back onto the path.

2. Stress:
Easier said than done, that's for certain, but try to reduce stress levels. Sometimes this requires looking over aspects of your life and reminding yourself not to worry about the things you cannot change. At the very least, if you are worried about a plateau, then you may be covered in stress you can control. Relax and just start over with your thoughts on why you started, what your goals might be, etc. Look at how far you have come and find joy in simple things.

3. Last resort:
If you still cannot seem to boost things along, you may have to take a break. Keep counting calories, only eat more. Add a few hundred to your allowance and make sure you eat that much for 3-5 days and no more. If you have been eating 1800-2000 calories, bump up to 2500. If you have been with us and only eating 1200, bump up to 1800-2000. After that time, cut your calories again and push your exercise routine just a little.

It can be frustrating at times, but I do believe results are possible. I used to think I was one of those people who couldn't lose weight because I did try diet and exercise as well as a few other fad tactics, but either it wasn't successful or it was impossible to sustain. It takes great commitment and sometimes you have to repair your body and mind in order to be ready to lose weight, but I now believe it can happen. Whatever method you choose, make sure you can maintain and sustain.