Expert: Linda Erwin, M.S. - 2/23/2006

Question
Hi Linda! I need help, please! I am a 21-year-old female and I am 5'10 inches tall. In the past 7 months I have gone from 188 pounds to 158, which I am tremendously happy with. However, my goal was to lose forty pounds and be 148, but I have hit one heck of a plateau- no weight has come off for a whole month! I'm doing Jazzercise 3 or 4 times a week, eating very light, and doing strength training at home 2-3 times a week. Doing all of that helped me lose the first thirty pounds, but now I seem to be stuck and it's driving me nuts! I'm dying to go buy some new clothes for spring but I absolutely refuse to do so until I lose the rest of this weight. Would you please give me some advice on how to jump start my weight-loss again? I would greatly appreciate it!
Thank you!
Laura  

Answer
Laura,
I have been there before and it is frustrating but being impatient is not going to get you anywhere.  Your body needs to acclimate to your new body weight.  To shake it up you need to change from jazzercise to something tougher.  Try spinning classes that are intense, running, kickboxing, plyometrics--get your heart rate up into the 80-85% zone.  Work out longer than the usual 45-50 min. that a class gives you.  Make it at least 60 min. and challenge yourself. Increase your workout days to 5-6 days.  Also, you say you are eating light...that could be a problem.  You might not be eating enough.  If you don't eat enough your metabolism will slow down and your body will hold on to all the few calories you are giving yourself.  EAt throughout the day and make sure you are getting enough protein and complex carbs (fruits/veggies and whole grains).  Drink a couple of those water bottles daily and take a good multivitamin.  Also give your body time to adjust and you will lose again.  Just keep doing what you are doing and don't rush it.  Otherwise you will gain it back quickly.  It has to be a lifestyle change--that means forever.
Buy some cheap clothes for now and then you can buy others as you lose another size.  All good things come to those who persist.  Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Linda