What is a Weight Loss Plateau

There is nothing more disheartening than being really ‘good’ all week and then jumping on the scales to see that they have not budged!  A weight loss plateau can really ‘make or break’ your will-power, however, don’t think that the universe is against you – it’s just a part of the weight loss journey.  It really is virtually impossible to lose weight slowly and steadily so plateaus are totally normal.  This week we are going to look at what a plateau actually is and why you should not weigh yourself more than once a week.

So if the scales don’t move after a week, is that a plateau?  Actually NO!  A weight loss plateau is a period of time during which your body weight remains at the same level but a week is not long enough.  In fact, if the scales are ‘stuck’ for 3 weeks or more, despite your 100% commitment to sticking with your program, then you have a plateau on your hands.

It is important to remember that the word “weight loss” does not differentiate between changes in fat, muscle, and water.  The primary purpose of tracking your body weight is (1) for accountability and (2) as a way to measure fat loss. When you get on the scales and the reading goes down 1kg, you hope that 1kg represents pure fat – not muscle, or water.  And, to be honest, a number on the scales cannot tell you if it is fat, water or muscle loss!

Consider this – if you eat a lot of salt, carbohydrates and drink little water, you will retain a LOT of water which will increase your body weight if you were to jump on the scales.  However, if you drink plenty of water, limit carbohydrates and salt and finish an intense workout where you sweat buckets, then your weight can decrease by a couple of kilograms.  It may seem hard to believe, but the more water your drink, the less you retain it.

The unpredictability of water retention is one reason to weigh yourself only once per week.   Weighing yourself a few times a day, or at different times each day is the fastest way to kill your confidence and make you feel ‘confused’ as to if your body is actually losing weight.

If you want to embark (or restart after your home isolation) on a weight loss program – but are worried about hitting obstacles such as plateaus – then you need to see The Natural Way.  Our team of dedicated consultants expertly guide you through your weight loss journey, so you can navigate your way past little ‘hiccups’ on the way to your goal.  To find out more about our fabulous program, please call your nearest clinic on 1300 SLIMMER (1300 754663) and book a FREE appointment to find out more about how we can help.

Visit our website:  https://thenaturalway.com.au/products/

“Stay At Home” clients, call Cora – 0458 754 663

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