by Veronica Shine

Created on: October 04, 2008   Last Updated: April 02, 2011

When following their weight loss regime like clockwork, countless people achieve the results they were striving  for. However, sometimes when only a minimal amount of pounds is away from the desired target, the process of eliminating the final few seem impossible to shed. Endlessly, week after week, they find no movement on the scale and have reached the infamous plateau.

This is the period when frustration sets in for many, and an item such as an Oreo cookie is grabbed for comfort. Instead of falling back to such extremes, learn to stay in focus of the original goal. Break that plateau without disintegrating the diet. The following tips can divide that boundary and acheive success.

• Drink water

Skip the tea, coffee and diet drinks for one week. Let your body detoxify anything artificial from your system. Rebuild your body by cutting out beverages and that includes a sports drink. Many people consume a sports drink after working out for extra vitamins. However, by consuming this drink, more calories may be taken in than are burned off. Instead drink water to determine if that is where the stumbling block was.

• Re-evaluate exercise program

On occasion, indulging in the same form of cardio exercise for five days a week can cause the body to hit that plateau.  The key to success is to try something varied rather than the same daily work-out.  Opt for a Jazzercise class, Pilates, jumping rope or ice skating as supplementary alternatives every other day. Increase the amount of daily exercise by ten minutes during each scheduled work-out period.

• Add fiber

An internal cleansing can help release toxin-laden fluids and waste. Similar to what water does for detoxification, natural interior cleansing by including more fiber to the diet may push an additional a few pounds right off.

• Revisit food choices

Look over the written food diary and recheck caloric intake. It is conceivable the consumption of calories is greater than anticipated. Another common offender is too many carbs in the diet plan. They are needed for a boast of energy but only in moderation. Rearrange the amount of daily intake and it may just push that weight loss plateau.

A number of food products have additives that are not beneficial for losing weight. In order to take something fattening or sweet out of a product, usually means that something artificial is placed in it. Artificial substances will cause havoc to a weight loss plan. These substitutions could be the culprit as the underlying cause to a plateau.

• Seek assistance

Working with a professional may be the discipline needed to remove the level that is holding up the goal.  A trainer, nutritionist or family physician will offer support, motivation and help to see that the overall goal is attain.
Discouragement is the worst emotion to damage any weight loss plan. It is unacceptable, especially with all the wonderful effort that has taken one this far. Conquer this temporary hold-up by utilizing some or all of the five top plateau busters.

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