Hello Everyone,
I need some general advice. I started on the Sonoma Diet about 3 months ago and lost 20lbs in the first month. But I've already hit a plateau and not sure why? I've increased my exercise and water intake. I know that I've also added some carbs to my diet that I don't need, but on the whole I thought I was doing ok. I've lost 2 dress sizes and I'm proud of that, but I'm afraid of getting stuck. In the past this would be about the time I would say that I've done ok and stop. But I really need to keep going. My starting weight was 260lbs, I'm now 240, and would like to reach 199lbs by the end of the summer. I thought being the size that I am that the weight would come off pretty steadily for a while, but that's not happening.
I also keep going back and forth on weather or not I need a formal plan. There's so much great advice and on here that I get confused. With this plateau I've started to panic and thinking that I need to try something different to be successful. I'm contemplating Jenny Craig or something that's really structured so that I don't lost my momentum. I really want to lose weight this time steadily and consistently. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Lola

How long has it been since you lost some weight? It could just be TOM. Have you changed your routine at all? I slowed right down when I started exercising seriously then woosh lots came off really fast.

If it's any consolation, Lola, I think I've just broken through a 6 week plateau. I started this attempt at weight-loss in January and lost fairly well for about 10 weeks. Then, in mid-March, BAM. Flatlined. Just gained and lost the same 2-3 pounds over and over. For 6 stinkin' weeks! Incredibly frustrating.

Like you, I thought it was far too early to hit a plateau. It's just not fair. Plateaus aren't supposed to hit until the middle of the journey, not at the very beginning.

I don't have any words of wisdom. I didn't really change anything. I've stayed true to my eating plan throughout the plateau. I eased up on the deliberate exercise, though. I absolutely abhor exercise (because I absolutely abhor getting sweaty) and it was just too depressing to continue doing something I hate so much when I wasn't getting any reward (weight loss) for it. I continued to *do* exercise, just not as much as I had been doing.

And I've been trying to find other types of "deliberate" exercise to do (yoga, golf, stationary bike), just for some variety.

Kykaree's guide to plateau survival - I plateau very regularly, my first was after 20lbs or so, in my first three months. Here is what I have learned.

1. Plateau's are a normal part of weight loss. Consistently eating less calories than your body needs isn't easy on your body. Every now and then your body needs a break from losing.

2. If your plan has been working so far, don't ditch the plan. Use the plateau time to reflect on your eating, and make sure you are following your plan, play with your exercise routine, and keep up your water. Be prepared that your plateau will last as long as it lasts.

3. Don't blame yourself, or fall into panic mode. It's not your fault this is happening, it's normal. It's really common to panic and start doing crazy things like under eating, over exercising, which in my opinion confuses the body even more.

4. Don't put anymore pressure under yourself by setting goals. This is the girl who at this time last year set a 199 end of summer goal. Well, I reached 199, at the end of winter!!! 6 months after I originally "planned". Weight loss doesn't happen to a time frame. Some people can whizz it off like nothing, others have to fight for every pound, and their weight loss feels like walking in quick sand (yep I'm one of those)

I don't think changing plans is the answer. If you like and enjoy Sonoma, stick with it, I am sure it will continue working for you, just hang in there

I think you just got the most valuable advice anyone could give you. I too tend to lose a bunch at the beginning and then plateau after about 20 pounds or so. I've DONE crazy things to try and take the weight off more rapidly or consistently and it doesn't work. The body fights me. I may get more off, but it will come back on. Your body is designed to withstand famine and it doesn't know this isn't a famine. Give it time to get used to the idea. Eventually your same approach (assuming you are still doing what you did to lose the weight in the beginning) will start working again. Those first 20 pounds are relatively easy to remove, but 20 pounds is a lot for the body to be willing to give up. It has to regroup. Keep on walking, keep on doing moderate exercise. Keep on watching what you are eating. Maybe increase the moderate exercise time a little or decrease the total food intake a little, (but nothing drastic), and wait it out. Frustrating I know. We ARE afraid we will lose momentum. But at our weights, this is going to be a long journey and we may as well expect that.