[SLIMplicity]

After losing 35 lbs I've reached my first real plateau.

OMG how long does it last???

I had a gain last week of 4 lbs after 2 months of no change. Plus I have felt hungrier..the idea of eating less just makes me more ravenous..

So discouraging..

[freelancemomma]

Hi there,

I'm also from Ontario. I've never had a plateau, but I've certainly experienced varying levels of hunger during my weight loss and now during maintenance. There was a two-week period in January when I was just ravenous -- it's what prompted me to seek out this board. Then, just as mysteriously as it appeared, my extreme hunger subsided and hasn't returned since.

Regarding both the hunger and the plateau, I suggest you just ride them out. Plateaus don't last forever if you keep eating at a deficit.

Freelance

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

This is very common; but it is key to keep going. Are you keeping track of inches and sizes? If you are still losing in that way, you are not in a full plateau. Sometimes, when the scale isn't moving -- I was still losing inches and sizes. Those are fab NSV (non-scale victories) that were/are very encouraging to me. I have kept up my exercise & toning plan, and I'm sure that is what helped that.

Now, for the scale -- maybe shake things up a bit; cycle your calories or your food plan a bit. Not sure what kind of plan you are on, but it's time for a "tweak" session for sure. Maybe eat more veggies/salads, fruit, and lean proteins; and maybe do some substitutions.

If you haven't increased your food intake, that 4 lbs could very likely be water gain; that happens a lot too. In time, that will go back down.

The most important thing is to keep going, the scale will budge eventually ...

[NCchickie]

My weight stayed the same from Christmas to last week. And now I'm down 4.5 pounds in one week. My calories and exercise were stable all through January and February, but I didn't lose any weight. I stayed on my plan, though.

And now I think maybe that plateau was a good thing for my body, because I tightened up a little, am more muscular, and now am ready to lose more pounds. I think my body needed a little catch-up time.

[InsideMe]

I have been the same weight on the scale since December!!!!! Take pics and measure yourself. I've noticed changes in my body in that time frame, so I believe I'm building muscle and losing fat but the scale is wonky. Stick to it and hang in there!

[KittyKatFan]

As you lose weight, you need fewer calories to maintain your new weight. Do you think that you need to make an adjustment, either exercising more or eating less?

Just a thought. Not a good thought, but still a thought.

[Meeel4121]

I've been on a plateau for 3 months now. And my hunger has increased tenfold. I was concerned that maybe I was becoming relaxed in my calorie intake, and for about 2 weeks was sticking to a very strict 1200 a day plan, whilst lifting weights or running 6 days a week. I gained! A near 5 pound gain. So I ate 200 more (1500 calories), and my weight is now annoyingly consistent. I lost down to 156, my lowest weight, and have stayed there (with the occasional 157) for a month now.

But like a few previous posters have said, I feel like I've lost weight. My measurements have continued to slowly go down. I'm not sure if that's because of my weight lifting, or if it's normal in a plateau.

If you're hungry, I'd raise your calories by like 200 or something for a few days. Worst thing it can do it cause a slight increase in water weight. Best case, it might shock your body into losing again.

But don't lose heart. I'm constantly reminding myself that this is what maintenance is. I haven't gained, I've maintained for 3 months! Focus on the positive!

[kateleestar]

I had a six month one last year where I was stuck between 225 and 220. And I just kept going, staying on my plan, and it finally left, lol.. Same thing happened for about 2 months when I was trying to get to onederland.