ladies... i need your expert advice! i have hit a plateau and don't know how to get past it! any expert advice for when weight loss stops? how can i lose those stubborn last 5 pounds?


so, just to give everyone an idea of a "normal" day for me (i'm in phase 1.5)...
B: cottage cheese w/ sugar free jello mixed in, coffee w/ sf syrup and ff half-n-half
L: salad of some sort (usually spinach w/ tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and balsamic vinegarette dressing)
S: celery w/ a wedge of laughing cow cheese or a piece of fruit
D: a phase 1 entree from the thread is typical

sometimes i will add in a sf jello for dessert at night. please help, i don't know what i'm doing wrong!

Are you exercising? If not, do so. If so, step it up. If you're walking, try jogging. Already jogging? Try going faster or doing sprints. Honestly, your calorie intake doesn't look to be that high. Have you counted your calories lately to figure out just how much you are getting? If not, count those calories and maybe add 100 - 200 calories. Your body might be holding onto those last few pounds in an effort to sustain itself.

Also, why so close to Phase 1? I know you've been on the program for quite some time and only having one piece of fruit a day (if that?). Phase 1 isn't a healthy, long term way of life and eventually, you'll stop losing so quickly.

Those last 5 lbs. are hard to lose. It usually takes a *lot* of hard work -- much more so than losing the rest of the weight. You might want to ask yourself why you need to lose those 5 lbs. Could toning exercises tighten up those flabby areas? Your body might be content where it is and may be telling you that it likes the weight it is at. It's tough to move beyond that.

I know I'm probably going to get yelled at for this, but sometimes when I hit a plateau and then I have a cheat meal or 2 and then go back on plan it gets me over the plateau. Maybe it makes your metabolism work a little harder? I dunno but it works for me. **ducks to avoid the SBD bullets** LOL

We have pretty similar stats. Your body may not want to shed those last few pounds, like Zeff said, without stepping up the exercise. What concerns me is that your daily menu doesn't look like you're eating that much. You want to be eating enough that when you go into maintenance, you are satisfied and eating adequate amounts of all nutrients. I see no nuts, dairy, grains. I would suggest eating a full Phase II menu & increase your daily exercise. I wouldn't be happy limiting myself to what you're eating. Not that I am a perfect example by any means, but I am 52 years old and maintaining at 112-115#for about 10 months on SB and I eat 2 servings of dairy most days, 2 Tbs. nut butter, 1-2 fruits, 2-3 grains and large servings of protein daily. I also make sure I get my 2 Tbs. of good fats in. Your plateau may be your body's way of telling you that it's metabolism is shifting down to accomodate your low food intake.

Looks like not nearly enough calories or nutrients to me!

thanks to everyone for the suggestions -

jersey - i like your idea best - cheating! unfortunately, i found out on valentines day that doesn't work for me... lucky girl!

zeff, murph, & twynn - thank you for your input! i have been working out and increasing the intensity when i start to feel comfortable. i know, i have been a phase 1.5 junkie for a while now... i'm a pretty healthy eater as it is and i was a phase 2ish (maybe 2.5) south beacher before i even tried south beach. this is why i am reluctant to go back to adding grains into my diet. i am happy with my fruit but even the thought of bread or pasta makes me think the extra weight will come back... however, i am going to add back in butternut squash/sweet potatoes as well as whole grains... best in the afternoon, right ladies?

p.s. way to go on maintaining 112 - 115, murph! i am excited to get back to my happy place as well!

Looks to me like you aren't eating enough. That's a pretty small diet, even for Phase 1. Also, all of the SF stuff could be slowing things down a bit. Are you a vegetarian? It doesn't seem like you're getting all that much protein either. Your lunch only has the feta and I can't imagine you're putting enough on to be a decent serving of protein. Same with your breakfast. How much cottage cheese are you eating?

It just seems like a really low-calorie meal plan. I say add in some healthy calories and see if that doesn't jump start you a bit. Don't be afraid of Phase 2. Add some healthy carbs. It's not cheating.