Plateau

[knodceo]

I have hit a wall.

I am running 2-3.5 miles 4 to 5 times a week. I am eating whole foods, nothing processed with more than 5 ingredients. I am still nursing. I have lost 15 pounds since I started this change. I have 20 to go to be anywhere close to where I want to be..35 is ideal. Any thoughts?

I am also lifting weights several times a week.

Please help!

[DottieHarley]

Congrats, it sounds like you are doing great!! How long have you been keeping this routine?
Could you try running faster/longer a couple times a week? Interval training (ie sprint for 1 minute, run for 2, etc) can be a good kick in the pants also.
Heavier weights and/or more reps.
Could you switch out one run a week for something else like biking, swimming, etc? Just changing up what you're doing can "wake up" your body bc your muscles kind of get used to doing the same thing over and over.
If you are still nursing I would hestitate to limit calories, etc. Make sure you are eating plenty of protein and staying hydrated.

[knodceo]

I have been walk/running a mile or two since July. I started taking it seriously in November, running more/farther and eating better. I am stuck at 160. I have dropped 2 pant sizes and can see weight loss everywhere but middle. My son is 21 months so nursing is starting to taper off. I know healthy is more important than number, but it is good to see it go down.

Thanks for your advice.

[NotLad]

Cross train!! You'll find that your running improves. Try doing a cross train Monday and Friday, run easy Tuesday, longer run on Wednesday and run intervals on Thursday.

For cross training, do anything but run - walk, Zumba, Pilates, yoga, elliptical, swim, spinning, biking, a cardio DVD. Not only will it improve your overall fitness but it will help get you out of this rut you're feeling.

[NotLad]

Dp

[knodceo]

Does getting the right amount of sleep aide in weight loss?

[NotLad]

Originally Posted by knodceo Does getting the right amount of sleep aide in weight loss?

YES. It's vital, as is low stress.

[knodceo]

Well if I could get more sleep and have less stress, I am sure I'd be doing better.

[briggsy13]

I would agree to cross training, or just adding intervals to your running. Up your weights. When the scale wasn't budging for me it was always too high calories. I had always started out dieting and exercising with the impression than I could eat back all my exercise calories. And for the first 40 lbs it worked that way. But now in order to see the scale move I cannot eat them back. Some yes on a day when I need extra food but only rarely. This is what got it moving back down for me. Granted with nursing still you would need to be careful how far back you cut them.

[knodceo]

Thanks for your advice! I ran my first 5k race this weekend and had a great time! I am down 2 pounds with just a tweak to the diet and a variation on the running. Enjoying a day of rest today!