Plateaus...a dreaded word for some, a place of frustration for others, and an inevitability of weight loss journeys. However, a weight loss plateau doesn't have to be a negative thing, it's all about mindset.
So, as I like a good analogy, let's talk about climbing mountains! This analogy can also be applied to every other aspect of your life (relationships, business, spiritual growth, etc.)
When you climb a mountain with a Sherpa, they will take you up to a certain point and then bring you back down to base camp. The next day, you go higher than you were the previous day, and then you go all the way back down to base camp. You keep going up and coming back down so your body can adjust to the extreme altitude and climate changes.
Create Your Own Base Camp
I started thinking about the benefits of a plateau. Whether you experience a plateau with eating better, losing weight, or pursuing a goal, it’s okay to run fast and then slow down. It’s okay to pause and regroup before you start running fast again. Also, you may not even like to run fast! Pace yourself. I'm all about small, sustainable changes.
The Sherpa leads their group back down to the base camp to rest, rejuvenate and mentally and physically prepare for the next day. Why not establish your own base camp in life?
Let’s say you’re on a weight loss programme. Why not push a little for four weeks, and then have a week or two of maintenance? You can learn the ease of maintenance and take the pressure off yourself during that rest time – that “base camp” time. Work on those small steps, get those habits built.
Plateaus Are Nothing To Be Scared Of
I see clients drive themselves to distraction when they step on the scale every day. When they hit a plateau, they panic a little bit because they really want to lose the weight. I tell them, “This plateau is normal, and it's good. Sit with it. You’re getting a picture of weight maintenance.”
When it comes to exercise, I’m adamant that people take a rest day. It must be one full day of rest per week. Depending on your fitness level, this could be active recovery (such as hopping in your car and driving to your favorite coffee shop with a friend), but it shouldn’t be anything strenuous. Rest day is your time, your mini-plateau, to rest and restore.
Embrace The Plateau
Who says that you have to go from A to B directly at full speed? Not me! Why not adopt a pace that feels better to you? There’s nothing wrong with taking a break. In fact, usually, after you’ve given yourself a break, you’ll come back stronger, smarter, and more motivated.
You will still make it to the top of the mountain, only you'll be a little less stressed, and you will have created a path that won't disappear so easily in a storm!
Please note: This article is intended to be for educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice or replace professional assessment or personalised advice.
I do not hold responsibility for the information on any links to external websites within this article and information within these links/websites may change at any time or no longer be accessible. Any website pages/links added are also for education purposes only.