Weight Loss Plateau!

  • I started the CAD diet about 5 weeks ago, i eat only salad which comprises of cabbage, lettuce, cucumber and tuna for breakfast and lunch. For dinner, i take the same salad wih a proper balanced diet of carb, protein, veg etc within 1hour. I was able to lose 11pounds within 3weeks but since then i've remained on the same weight for the past 2weeks. Is there anything i should be doing as i was 191pounds before i started the diet programme and i've dropped to 181pound but my target weight is 149pounds? Please help!!!
  • After a quick initial weight loss, your body will often take a couple weeks to adjust. I wouldn't call it a "plateau" until you find a solid six-eight weeks of no loss. I know many women on this board have mentioned that they lose well for a couple weeks a month, then NOTHING for two weeks, then a drop. It could be hormonal, or water, or something else.

    Unfortunately for dieters, the body is not like a machine where you can say for sure "If I follow this plan, I will lose exactly 2 pounds a week" or something like that. In general, over time, you may lose that, but not necessarily every single week.

    I'd suggest you keep to your plan for another week or two, and see what happens. If there's still no change, then you can consider tweaking it.

    If your plan is a solid one, you WILL lose the weight.
  • I agree with the other posters, however I just wanted to add that maybe you should start tracking your calories to make sure you're getting enough calories and protein? Usually diets that promise "20 pounds in 2 weeks!!" or any similar gimmick are severely lacking in macro and micro nutrients.
  • I agree with counting your calories. If I eat too little (1000cals or less) my weight loss does indeed slow down. Your diet sounds somewhat healthy, then on the other hand it sounds like the gimmicky cabbage soup diet. I think you may be missing some healthy fats?.
  • You are definitely not on a plateau. You have to be the same weight for at least 4 weeks. Looking at what you eat each day, you are starving your body and it is probably hanging onto every calorie thinking the famine has started. I see no dairy or good fats, no variety in your vegetables, where's the fruit? Are you getting complex carbs every day - at least 2 servings. You might try shaking things up a little. How much exercise are you doing?
  • Thanks all for your comments. As advised i increased my meal quantity as most of you pointed out that i was starving myself, and i've lost 2Ibs still when i sent out the post. I'm so delighted!