The Big Three-O and Plat-O

May 4, 2015

Last week was entirely too crazy for one person to handle. Getting diagnosed with the flu was the last thing I needed as I headed into my last week of regular classes for freshman year. I missed three days of school, and missing one day of college is enough to put you into an insane asylum to deal with the stress. I was well past insane asylum and to the point where the mind just actually shuts down into a vegetable state after missing 4 quizzes, a test, a video project, having to write a 1200 word analytical paper, and doing regular online homework, all while barely being able to swallow anything larger than a pill. Luckily, my mom was able to come to the rescue and nurse me back to health. There's something magical about a hotel bed and a mother to tend to your every need. Thanks mom!

BUT, despite it all, I reached a personal goal--the original goal I had set out to accomplish this semester. After 13 weeks of Paleo, I hit a weight loss total of 30 pounds!!! Seeing that number on the scale was such an awesome feeling. This dream of mine seemed so distant when I began talking about it in January. At 30 pounds lighter, 5 notches down on my belt loop, and 4 dress sizes thinner, I am feeling better than ever! I am so excited to continue toning up and training this summer.

Success hasn't been a piece of cake (literally I haven't eaten cake in over 3 months), however. In last week's blog, I mentioned that there was a point in this journey where I had plateaued and not lost a single pound for 4 weeks. This is something that most people will experience during weight loss, strength training, or any training for that matter. At first, I was unsure at how to handle it. I thought I was incapable of losing any more weight, but with some adjustments I was able to surpass the obstacle and continue. Here are some tips for when you reach a plateau:

1. Change it Up
You've probably been doing the same workouts and eating the same foods for a while now. While these things have been working up until this point, it is very likely that your body is accustomed to these routines now and is ready for something new and more challenging. I had been lifting weights and doing the same order and rep amount for quite a while, and for cardio, I was alternating jump roping, biking, and plyometrics. At first, these things had been quite the workout. I would wake up very sore and tired, but after about 4-5 weeks, they were becoming easier, and my weight loss stopped completely. Once I began running long distance and changing up weight exercises, I dropped 10 more pounds like it was nothing. In a few more weeks, I will reach a plateau and begin changing up the exercises once again. Changing it up also keeps it exciting! Don't risk a burnout by doing the same thing everyday.

2. Don't Stress
This is the piece of advice I have the most difficult time following. Stress is literally good for NOTHING. It makes you feel awful, it can often prohibit you from being productive, and it has negative effects on the body. Your body needs you to chill out in order for positive change to occur. Keep in mind that the process is slow and difficult at times like this, but that perseverance produces the real winners.

3. Remember How Far You Have Come
This is another reason not to stress. You've already been making progress, so don't let a few slow weeks make you forget the accomplishments you've already made! During my 4 weeks of struggle, I had started to convince myself that I hadn't really done anything and maybe I had set goals too ridiculous to achieve. Luckily, I had taken progress pictures, and looking back at the "before" shots, it was easy to see the changes in myself. Even small progress is good progress!

So that's my two cents on plateaus! I'm sure I'll have to read this blog myself when I hit a stalling point in the next few weeks. I hope you're all doing well! May the Fourth be with you :)