Battling Plateaus: Why Aren’t I Seeing Results Anymore?
I can’t tell you how many times a client has come to me and said, “I used to be making progress, but now I can’t seem to lose these last 10-20 pounds! I haven’t done anything different… what’s wrong??” These women are often tired, discouraged, frustrated, and ready to give up.
I get it; it’s frustrating to feel like the things that used to work for you suddenly aren’t pushing the needle anymore. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone! I’ve worked with many clients in the same boat, and I’ve found there could be any number of underlying reasons for stalled progress, such as perimenopause, metabolic damage, thyroid disease, or more. In today’s post, I’ll explore these factors and provide some guidance to help you break through the plateau and achieve your goals.
It’s important to note that I am not a doctor. I am not here to diagnose anybody, but simply to shed some light on some common issues I’ve seen with dozens of my clients. Remember: everybody’s body is different. If you suspect there is an underlying issue that’s keeping you from your goals, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor and get some tests.
A Discouraging Diagnosis
Quite a few years ago I had a client who had been struggling to make any progress. After getting some tests done, she found out she had thyroid disease. The diagnosis left her feeling frustrated and defeated, and she began struggling to stick with her food plan. “When I eat healthy, it doesn’t make any difference anyway,” she said. She just felt like giving up.
I see this happen a lot. Someone is struggling to see results, then receives a diagnosis, and proceeds to give up on their health journey altogether, because “It just doesn’t work.”
I get it; these things are hard. It’s frustrating when your body is not doing what you want it to do anymore. However, that is not an invitation to shoot yourself in the foot! It’s not an invitation to throw out all the good habits and lifestyle changes you’ve already made. Instead, it’s an invitation to shift your focus.
Shifting the Focus
While using the scale and measurements are helpful markers of progress, they’re not the only way to measure and define success. Don’t put so much value on the number on the scale that you take value away from how you feel and how you treat your body.
Imagine for a minute that your goal is to reach a size 4 and hit 140 lbs. You work hard, you see results over time, and then finally, you hit your goal. Congratulations, you did it!
Now what? Losing more weight and slimming down more would not be healthy for your body. So do you just give up? Do you say, “I made it!” and then throw in the towel? No, of course not! Why? Because permanent transformation is not just about results; it’s about building a lifestyle that celebrates you. It’s about choosing habits that heal you, inside and out.
The same can be said for people who are experiencing a plateau due to unresolved health issues, such as thyroid disease or perimenopause. Just because the scale isn’t moving or your body isn’t changing, doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel. Instead, focus on redefining what success looks like. Success looks like consistency. Success looks like shifting your mindset. Success looks like passing on healthy habits to your children. Success looks like choosing to be the best version of yourself day in and day out. Success looks like not giving up.
And the reality is, results CAN happen, even with difficult underlying issues. Once you find the right mix of things and learn to work with your body rather than against it, the results will come again. In the meantime, don’t give up!
Common Underlying Issues
There are any number of underlying issues that could be contributing to your plateau, but here are three common ones that I’ve helped my clients work through.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading to menopause. It can bring hormonal fluctuations that affect weight regulation. During this time, estrogen levels may decline, leading to a slowdown in metabolism and potential weight gain.
The best way to combat this is by focusing on a high-fiber diet, which supports gut health and aids in blood sugar regulation. Emphasize whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Opt for single-ingredient whole foods and reduce alcohol consumption to improve overall health and aid weight loss efforts.
Metabolic Damage
Repeated dieting or extreme caloric restriction can lead to metabolic damage, where your body becomes resistant to weight loss efforts. This is extremely common for women who have tried many different weight loss programs over the years and have been riding the “yo-yo” diet train (as I like to call it) for many years. More often than not when a client comes to me, they are not eating enough food.
To repair your metabolism, focus on nourishing your body with balanced and healthy meals. Consume a mix of macronutrients, including proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, while prioritizing fiber-rich foods to support digestion and metabolism.
Thyroid Disease and Hormonal Imbalances
Undiagnosed or untreated thyroid issues and hormonal imbalances can hinder weight loss tremendously. Consult your healthcare provider and get routine blood work to ensure that your thyroid and hormones are functioning optimally. If necessary, they can provide appropriate treatment, which may improve your ability to lose weight effectively.
This Is Not the End of Your Story
As I said before, I am not a doctor and I can’t diagnose you with any of the above conditions. However, if you’re reading this and you feel stuck and frustrated, I want you to know that there is good news: This is not the end of your story!
Our bodies are complex, unique, incredible things. If you’re not seeing the changes you want, there may be something else happening under the surface. Get your bloodwork done, keep experimenting, get a personal coach, or switch things up, but whatever you do, don’t give up!
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