After following a diet plan and successfully losing some of the extra weight there will most likely come a time when the weight stays the same despite following the diet and exercise plan. This is referred to as a weight loss plateau.
This may happen any time between the eighteen-to-twenty-four-week period and is often the cause for frustration and abandoning the weight loss plan altogether.
Starving yourself at this point is counterproductive and an increase in physical activity and a temporary change in eating habits may be all that’s needed. Here are the basic principles important to overcome the weight loss plateau.
- Continue with adequate water intake
- Watch your salt consumption – too much will cause fluid retention
- Eat at least 20g of protein two to three times a day
- Eat at least 30g of fiber
- Eat slow – chew well
In addition, you can practise intermittent fasting – no food or drinks (except water) for at least 16 hours. If dinner is at 6 pm, do not eat until 10am the following day.