So, the utter hopelessness of having let yourself gain those extra few pounds has kind of subsided, and now it’s time to take action. However, when you face a situation that spells Do or Die, you choose to focus on ‘do’.

So you come up with a plan, schedule a proper work-out routine, work out a balanced diet and everything else. And it seems to be working out quite well, that is until the initial relief of losing weight becomes a headache since you aren’t losing any weight at all. And suddenly everything seems bleak.

But worry not; you’ve hit the weight loss plateau! For this is also just a phase; the keys to overcoming it are perseverance and dedication. Here are some pointers or overcoming the Weight Loss Plateau.

Ticket Out of the Weight Loss Plateau

To leave your days of getting stuck with no-more-weight-loss behind, here’s everything you need to consider, plan, correct, and monitor:

Calorie Intake: During the entire course of your weight loss, your metabolism rate will vary. As you reduce weight, the calories or ‘the energy’ required by your body also decreases with your body. So your calorie intake must continuously be adjusted as per your body’s requirements.

Food Quality: It’s pivotal to note that processed or packed foods are a big no-no. You need to start including legumes, whole grains, fibers, fruits, and vegetables into your diet. These foods provide the real fuel for the body.

Change, Reinvent, and Change again: Remember to keep changing your routines every two weeks or so. It’s more to do with the fact that you should not start hating it or feel obligated to do it but rather enjoy the whole process. Switch between routines as much as possible, and ensure that you don’t lose on the intensity.

Extra Bites: You have to remember that the occasional splurging or the extra bites after or before your planned meals do count, a lot in fact. And these secret sins have to be avoided completely. It’s more often than not that this bad habit will keep you from achieving your goal.

Know Yourself: If you aren’t progressing anywhere with your weight loss plan for a long time now, then it’s time to get yourself checked and go see a doctor to see if everything is as it should be with your body hormones.

Sleeping: Sleep is one of the most important aspects of a weight loss regimen, because it helps you in concentration and staying on track. Otherwise sleep deprivation leads to stress which leads to fat accumulation in your mid-section of the body.

Fluid intake: Drink as much as fluids as you can but not too much. Keep your body hydrated at all times.

Written by Benjamin Roussey for bodono.

Benjamin Roussey is from Sacramento, CA. He has two master’s degrees and served four years in the US Navy. His bachelor’s degree is from CSUS (1999) where he was on a baseball pitching scholarship. He has an MBA in Global Management from the Univ. of Phoenix (2006) where he attributes his writing prowess. He has worked everywhere from small businesses to large corporations, and also for public agencies. He has lived in Korea and Saudi Arabia where he was an ESL instructor. He misses Saudi food and living in Korea. Benjamin has a tremendous work ethic and is quite focused. Now he writes professionally for several clients that covers one sector of our economy to another. Currently he lives in the Phoenix area after living in Cabo San Lucas, MX for 3 years. He enjoys sports, movies, reading, and current events when he is not working online: www.infinista.com.