Plateau has lasted 5 wks - what's wrong?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
Plateau has lasted 5 wks - what's wrong?
5
Wed, 08-01-2007 - 12:20pm

I have been on phase 2 for 5 weeks and haven't lost a thing! I've lost a total of 10 lbs, but it was all on P1. For 5 weeks I've been fluctuating between 150.5 and 153. I've been following P2 very closely. At first I think I over did my grain & fruit servings, but I've cut them back to only one per day. What else could be wrong?!

I'm getting very frustrated and I'm losing my motivation (about the only thing I'm losing, LOL!) I feel like I'm going to quit if I don't see some results soon, but I really don't want to. I really do feel like this is the right way to eat. It's just hard to stay motivated when the scale won't budge.

I don't really want to go back on P1, because, well, it was a pain but I also think that's not how it's supposed to work. I'm eating healthier so I should be losing some weight. I don't expect to lose it rapidly and I know a plateau is normal, but after 5 weeks I would expect to see some progress.

Kathy

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Registered: 04-02-2007
Wed, 08-01-2007 - 12:37pm

Hi Kathy,

Plateau's are so frustrating and can really test our commitment. But please do remember that regardless of weight lost, this is a very healthy way to eat!

If you are 5 weeks into P2, you should actually be eating 3 fruits AND 3 grain servings each day in addition to your 4 1/2 c veggies and 2-3 dairy. I know it seems counter intuitive, but you really do need these healthy carbs and calories to continue losing weight. If you are only doing 1 a day right now, I might suggest adding in 1 more a day each week until you have worked up to the 3 of each you need.

Also, I'm not sure what your regular workout program includes, but please make sure it includes about 30 minutes of some cardio most days, plus strength training 2-3 times per week. The strength training will build muscle that burns extra calories and assists in weight loss.

CLs, what do you think?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Wed, 08-01-2007 - 12:51pm
The problem is that you haven't fully transitioned into phase 2.
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Avatar for redhedgrl
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
Thu, 08-02-2007 - 2:19pm

Thanks. I do trust you. The book has been sent back to the library so I'm glad I can come here to get info and advice, not to mention support.

It does seem counterintuitive to eat more of the foods that were so taboo just a few weeks ago.

I guess I misunderstood. I thought I was supposed to introduce grains & fruits slowly until I knew how they affected me. Since I wasn't loosing I figured they were affecting me badly so I never dared to introduce more and then cut them back even more when I still wasn't loosing.

I know I haven't been getting my exercise - but I have for the last 2 days. For the longest time our weather has either been opressively hot & humid, or raining, so I have a hard time getting out with the kids in the stroller.

And getting my veggies is also a problem. I've been doing a lot of protien, but veggies are tough for me to work in for whatever reason.

Thanks for the advice. I am going to keep plugging away at this.

Kathy

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2007
Thu, 08-02-2007 - 3:13pm

Yeah, even though the book is a great resource, it is confusing sometimes. I know what you're talking about where he says to reintroduce fruits and grains at one per week (which we recommend also) but to cut back if you gain or stall. It's actually not a great idea to cut back though, because you need those nutrients. Plus, P1 is more of a detox than anything, not necessarily a healthy way to live or continue to lose weight. P2 is where the action happens :)

Veggies are a struggle for me too. I didn't grow up eating veggies, so now I just don't really like them. There are lots of yummy ways to incorporate them into your diet though. My favorite quick way to get in my veggies is to cut up a variety (zucchini and colored bell peppers are my favorite) and saute them in a bit of olive oil with whatever seasoning I have on hand. It's so delicious! Roasting is also a great option. And of course, a glass of V8 a day will help out. Honestly, I don't like the stuff, but it's liquid and I can chug it to get in a serving of veggies!

For exercise, I live in AZ and it is stifling to get out in the summer a lot of the time! Plus, we are in monsoon season. Anyway, so I keep a stock of workout videos on hand at home. I just slide my couches out of the way and go at it (I have a tiny living room) :) If you are really pressed for room though, I know that some of the ladies here have tried Walk Away the Pounds. I haven't done it, but it may be another option for when it's tough to get outside.

Please let us know if you have questions!

~Casey

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2006
Thu, 08-02-2007 - 4:39pm

I'll second what everyone has says. Cutting back on fruits/grains ALWAYS backfires and causes stalling.

You have to understand the difference between phase 1 and 2. Phase 1 is JUST a detox. That's it. It was not designed to be a way of life, or even a long-term weight loss plan. That is phase 2. So even though those thing are "taboo" on phase 1 - it is NOT because they negatively affect weight loss. Phase 2 is the weight loss phase. Phase 2 is where you add those in. See the connection? Fruits/grains = weight loss phase.

Seriously - I cannot tell you how many times this comes up. I've seen it literally 100 times in the last 2.5 years. I even made the mistake myself very briefly. I went up to 2 servings of each and stopped there. Then stalled for 2 weeks. As soon as I added a 3rd serving of each - I started losing again (literally the next day) and I lost steadily the rest of the way to my goal without another single plateau.

















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