48: The Dreaded Plateau

IF you are going to have a treat, 
chose wisely, don't go over on calories,
and then, only eat half.

I feel as if I have leveled out, and reached "the dreaded plateau" of weight-loss.
 The thing is, I'm not trying to drop a TON of weight or anything, I just have a few pesky pounds that I would like to lose, preferably before my hubby gets home, but since that should be pretty soon, I don't think that timeline is realistic. You may also think I'm crazy for wanting to try to lose weight as I head toward the holidays, but if anything, it only raises the challenge for me.

Plateau's happen for a number of reasons.

• Sometimes it's because you aren't challenging yourself with enough high-intensity exercise. 

OR

• Sometimes you are doing too much of the same thing. You need muscle confusion to keep the body from getting used to your workouts. If you aren't being challenging, you won't be growing your lean muscle mass, which helps with metabolism and weight loss.

I think it has more to do with food!

• Sometimes you are eating more calories than you think you are. Make sure you are keeping a record of everything you put in your mouth; specifically the calories.

• Sometimes you aren't eating the right foods. You  may not be going over your calories, but you are hungry all the time, and are tempted to eat more. This probably means EAT MORE FRUITS and VEGGIES. ESPECIALLY VEGGIES! Most people don't get enough.

• Sometimes you are eating certain kinds of foods that are sabotaging your efforts. 

• Sometimes you get to be in a food rut, like me right now!

 I need to figure out both; which foods are sabotaging me and how to get out of this food rut.

So, I am on a mission to figure out why I can't seem to shift the last few pounds, and what it takes to eat well but keep weight off, vs what foods put weight on. Stay tuned for my findings!

Plus, I've started thinking about holiday food. :)

FOOD

Breakfast: 1 HBE, a small nectarine, a piece of WW toast with REAL homemade blackberry jam. It was WAY too sweet! Whew!!
Snack: a big juicy homegrown apple! Yum! and half a Unreal Bar - 85 calories for that little bad-boy! Yikes!
Lunch: a veggie sandwich and 2 HBE
Dinner: the last of the zucchini lasagna, a CUP of raw broccoli and an apple for dessert
Snack: a HBE and an apple

The trick when eating vegetables...

EXERCISE
Sunday is a day of rest :)
I have been HORRIBLE with exercise this week. I only worked out three days this week. I've GOT to do better this week. :)

Tip of the Day
It isn't about quantity workouts, it's quality that makes the difference. When it comes to exercise, the magic formula for maximizing your time and effort is doing just that. 30 minutes + high-intensity = maximum results. Do yourself the favor of not wasting your own time when it comes to the gym! Put your headphones in, tie your shoe laces tight, and FOCUS on whatever you are doing. Give it 150% of your best effort; give yourself your best and you will get the best out of your workouts.


So, with my "plateau"... Sometimes you just level off and your body is happy with the weight you are at, being the most conducive to your best health :) I still have about 5-10 pounds left to go. I want to reduce cellulite and get a nice little gap between my thighs. That's what my goals are.


Thanks for reading all!