At some point during your journey, you may find that your weight loss slows down. This can be difficult when everything is going in the right direction while on plan, and then without expecting it you hit a plateau, facing two or more weeks without movement towards your weight loss goals.

Here is the good news: it is okay and normal! Weight loss should resume if you continue to follow the program and remain positive. Making the best of a plateau is about accepting the situation as it is and doing the best you can with it. Positive attitude can be helpful but generally results from a realistic perspective of the challenge and belief in the ability to be successful.

Check out some plateau busting strategies to try if this happens to you:

• Eat lower carb vegetables. When following plan, remember that vegetables are your friend! Try to eat lower carb green veggies such as spinach, bok choy, or kale. Any vegetables rich in water, like cucumbers, are also great to help you stay hydrated and full.
• Watch condiments. Your favorite condiments might be loaded with oils and empty calories, so measure all condiments or eliminate them all together while on plan.
• Record everything! Keeping a diary of your daily food intake can help you stay on the right path. Monitor your progress and track your habits.
• Get moving. Don’t forget to practice healthy motion at your own pace. Take advantage of the springtime weather and take a walk around your neighborhood!
• Try gentle yoga. Reduce your stress levels by implementing yoga once or twice a week. Yoga is a great way to maintain inner peace through practicing deep breathing and stretching out your body after a long day.

Chat with me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, for additional tips on dealing with a weight loss plateau during your journey.

Achieving optimal health and wellbeing is more than just eating nutritious foods and staying hydrated. Being mindful and practicing healthy sleep and motion (when the time is right for you) are other key components to accomplishing your desired results.

As you begin on plan, it is important to start small, especially with motion, but remember that every little bit counts and contributes toward your goals!

Here are some simple ways to practice movement as you begin your health journey:

• Minimize screen time. Schedule a time when you turn off the TV and set your smartphone down. During this time, take a walk or spend time outside gardening, or doing anything active.
• Do chores. While chores aren't the most exciting activity, they present the perfect time to get your housework done and raise your daily activity simultaneously. So, get moving by dusting, picking up toys, folding clothes, or vacuuming. Any of these activities will get you moving!
• Raise your step count. Throughout your day, look for small ways to increase your step count. For example, try parking farther away from the grocery store or walking around the neighborhood when you get the mail. You can even walk around your house while on the phone to increase your movement.
• Reflect. Reflect on your typical day and make a list of possible physical activities that are right for you at your specific stage of plan. You will likely find many easy ways to become more active!

Connect with me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, for more ways to get active and increase your daily movement when you’re ready!

Full Circle Moment

Kathy was a yo-yo dieter and loved eating unhealthy foods, causing her to gain weight consistently. When Kathy learned of her mother's diagnosis of ALS, she indulged even more due to stress. At her heaviest, she was most desperate for a solution, so she contemplated gastric bypass surgery. But she was hesitant.

“My heart said there has to be another way. Then, I found my independent OPTAVIA Coach on Facebook. Her story touched me, and I immediately reached out for help.”

Dealing with several health issues, Kathy was extremely frustrated with her life and couldn’t recognize herself.

“I had no energy. I could not walk far without huffing and puffing. I couldn’t turn over in bed. I couldn’t tie my shoes. My heart was also having some issues.”

Kathy got on plan and lost weight^*. Since then, she has learned so much about herself, and she is now an OPTAVIA Coach, encouraging others the same way her OPTAVIA Coach had encouraged her.

"I want to tell you that you can do this. I have learned that it is never all or nothing. I am continuing the program to get to my goal weight. I love OPTAVIA!”