BARBARA, arts, educational & cultural consultant: Some folks have always had a healthy lifestyle, the optimal body weight or the right level of exercise. For them, there has never been a need for change and where they are is exactly where they want to be. Yet, for others, and I'm one of them, it's not that easy. It takes embarrassment, self-evaluation, a health scare or some other catalyst to get us to design a healthy eating plan, develop and maintain a fitness routine and achieve a healthy body weight. Then, keeping it going is another challenge. Yeah, we know it’s extremely hard work but, lots of you persevere and start to see some results. Things continue going great, and you’ve been very pleased with your progress, so you decide to reduce your food intake. You thought the change in your eating was a good idea until a few weeks ago. That’s when the weight loss stopped and things came to a stalemate ... a plateau.

A plateau is defined as a period or state of little or no growth or decline, especially one in which progress ceases. An ancient survival mode kicks in because your body thinks you are starving or having a hard time finding food. Once you’ve been following the same fitness pattern or eating pattern, your body typically learns to work more efficiently. Then, your metabolism slows down and uses less energy.

Convert back to eating more. Add more protein, veggies and fruit to your diet, and remember to include some fiber.

If your exercise program is on freeze too, then the same advice is in order. Make a few adjustments and change your routine. Add more repetitions, more days or more distance to your routine.

Remember to check with your doctor or a trainer and read the advice of Ellen, Heather and our featured Keeping It Real expert.

Posted June 11, 2003 02:50 AM