6 Tips to Troubleshoot a Weight Loss Plateau

As theoretical physicist Albert Einstein once said, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”

You don’t have to receive the Noble Prize to relate to this statement. I think we’ve all caught ourselves, at one time or other, in the vicious circle of insanity Einstein was speaking of.

I witness this firsthand every day. People talk themselves into believing what they are doing is right, even when their results are wrong. With that belief system firmly set, they continue their same routine with the hope it will all magically pay off one day.

If you are one of those people who feel like you are just spinning your wheels, maybe it’s time to make a change. Here are a few suggestions to help you break the cycle.

Re-examine your diet. Diet is 80% of weight loss. Even if you fully believe you are eating healthy low-calorie meals, start tracking your calories everyday for 30 days straight.

Learn the value of a calorie. Document how many calories you burn while walking on the treadmill. Compare that number to the calories in some of your favorite foods.

Re-evaluate your exercise routine. Maybe it’s time to take your training up a notch. If you are already training hard, then focus more on your diet. A poor diet can sabotage a great workout any day.

Check for loopholes. You can diet 6 days a week and erase all your progress in one meal. It doesn’t matter how great you are most of the time, what matters is how it all averages out. Consistency and accountability is key.

Consult a professional. If you truly feel as though you are doing everything right, maybe it’s time to meet with a professional and let them analyze your diet and exercise routine. Come prepared with your diet journal and exercise routine in hand.

Never give up. It’s tempting to give up when you feel like all you are doing is failing, but failing helps uncover mistakes that are preventing your success. Look at Thomas Edison. He made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb before he got it right. Before Babe Ruth became famous for his homeruns, he held the record for strikeouts. Winston Churchill not only failed sixth grade, he was defeated in every election for public office until he became Prime Minister at the age of 62. He is now known for the quote “never, never, never, never give up.