If you’ve been eating right and exercising regularly yet the numbers on the scale aren’t moving down, you may be experiencing a weight loss plateau. This can certainly be very frustrating for people who are doing all the right things and not reaping the rewards. But fear not! Weight loss plateaus are not only a normal part of the weight loss process, but they can also be overcome. If you don’t want to wait for the normal ebb and flow of weight loss to return, try one or two of the tips below and help get the scale moving again.
Just say no, to salt!
Salt is an essential mineral that our body needs, but too much can also be harmful and could be the cause of your weight loss plateau. Too much salt in our body causes us to retain water and water sometimes equals weight. The same is true for refined carbohydrate foods like white bread and pasta. So, if you’re experiencing a weight loss plateau, put down the salt shaker and read the labels of your favorite foods. Avoid the ones that are high in simple carbohydrates and salt for a few days and see if that can kick start your scale back into action.
If you Eat it, Write it Down
Everyone knows that a food journal is a great tool for weight loss, but it’s sometimes cumbersome and tiring to enter every little thing you eat. Besides, does the couple spoonful’s of mac and cheese off my kid’s plate really count? The answer is yes, especially if you’re experiencing a weight loss plateau. Be diligent and record everything you eat. This way, hidden calories that may turn into not so hidden pounds can be avoided.
Take a Look at Your Numbers
If you’ve tried the above tips and the scale still won’t budge, it might be time to take a look at your total calorie consumption. If it is high, you might want to reduce it in order to get your scale moving again. Even one to two hundred calories can make a difference. However, don’t go below 1200 calories as that is the minimum number that you need to maintain a healthy body. Then, once you’ve busted the plateau, you can consider if you’d like to add back in those additional calories.
A weight loss plateau isn’t permanent. Try one of these tips if you’re experiencing a weight loss plateau and get that scale and a healthier you on the move again.
Vacations Don’t Have to Derail Your Health Goals
Vacations are a perfect way to get some rest and relaxation and much needed time off. They can also be an opportunity to visit somewhere new and do some sightseeing. However, they don’t need to be an excuse to derail your diet and all the hard work you did to get you there. Have a look at our tips and tricks that you can take with you on your next trip. That way, you’ll come home rested, relaxed and even healthier than when you left.
It all starts with packing. If you can and want to, bring some healthy snacks from home so you won’t get stuck without something to eat when you get hungry. Because as we all know, if you wait until you’re too hungry, you might make poor choices. Things like dried fruit, nuts and seeds and protein bars make great snacks that can go anywhere with you. Moreover, while you’re at it, pack a reusable water bottle. You’re going to want to stay hydrated to ward off hunger as well, and if you carry one with you, you’ll be more likely to fill up and drink more often. Just be sure the water where you are traveling is safe to drink.
Once you get to your destination, lace up those sneakers and walk everywhere you can. Walking is a great exercise that can help balance out the occasional indulgence. You are, after all, on vacation so you’ll have to treat yourself once in a while. Which brings us to the next tip. Treat yourself once a day to something you really want and something that may be local, and you’re unable to try at home. It will make you feel like you’re on vacation, which you are, but you’re still practicing healthy habits.
When it comes to meals, breakfast still is the most important part of the day, so don’t skip it to save calories. That being said, you’re breakfast doesn’t have to be a stack of pancakes that will put you in a carbohydrate-induced come. No. Instead, choose wisely from things like eggs, fruit, yogurt or oatmeal. These things are all filling and won’t leave you feeling like napping your vacation away. And when it comes to lunch and dinner, fill up on your veggies! They are still the healthiest part of any meal, so don’t forget them just because you’re not at home.
So now, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can have the healthy vacation of a lifetime. And a bonus? You won’t be bringing back some extra pounds with you. Enjoy your vacation!
