Thanks so much for reading! And NEVER feel sorry for going off topic! It’s great to hear from you, and I’m happy to help in any way I can.

Congratulations on your loss! I, too, have been gaining and losing the same 3-5 pounds over and over again for about a year now. So, in the interest of full disclosure, I’m definitely not the expert on breaking plateaus. However, I have found plenty of ways to get the scale moving again — my problem just seems to be keeping it moving!

I know it’s frustrating when we’re working SO hard and the scale isn’t cooperating, but never lose sight of the fact that you are KEEPING IT OFF. Maintaining weight loss, in my opinion, is even harder than losing it in the first place. I feel just as frustrated as you are — believe me! — but I have to keep reminding myself about how many times I’ve lost significant amounts of weight in the past only to put it all (and then some) right back on. We’re remaining committed to our healthier lifestyles, whether the scale is playing nice with us or not — that’s the important thing.

Okay, motivational speech over. I do have some suggestions — things I have tried, things I KNOW I need to try, etc:

Try switching up your activity. Can you take different classes, or engage in any other exercise on your own? Running, biking, walking, etc. I can almost always get things moving by changing my routine. Your body might simply be used to the kinds of exercise you’re doing right now, so you might just have to “shock” it to get results again. For example, I’ve noticed a huge change in my body (and my energy levels, and the way my clothes fit, etc.) ever since I started strength training 2-3 times a week and branching out beyond cardio exercise. Challenging your muscles in that way might get things moving — and if nothing else, there’s a good chance you’ll lose inches or even drop a dress size or two!

I regularly experiment with switching up what I’m eating. I lose best on weeks when I cut out processed foods as much as humanly possible. If you’re eating things like SmartOnes and other high-sodium packaged meals and snacks, even if they’re low in POINTS and seemingly healthy, that right there could be enough to make your weight loss stall. Try focusing on whole foods and eating as “clean” as you can, and see if that makes a difference. Or, if you already are eating that way, try switching up the kinds of foods you’re eating at meals, for snacks, etc. Again, I think the key is “shocking” your body to behave differently than it has been lately.

Are you drinking enough water? That’s always been a big one for me. Also, focus on getting in all of your “Good Health Guidelines” each day…that’ll leave you with fewer POINTS for treats and other indulgences.

Here’s my last thought. Ever since the “honeymoon” phase of weight loss ended, the “you look so great!” compliments have ceased, and following my Weight Watchers program has become part of my ho-hum everyday life, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t loosened the reins a bit in many ways. I often have to be completely honest with myself and determine whether I truly am tracking the way I should be, or exercising as hard as I used to, or if I’m indulging in not-so-POINT-friendly treats a bit too often.

Try acting like a newbie and going back to basics. Pretend this is your first week on the program, and see if honing in on all of the aspects of weight loss that have become like second nature to us makes a difference.

Keep me posted on how you’re doing, okay? And if you have any tips for me, by all means…DO SHARE!

Thanks again, Melissa!

Jennifer

So I suppose I totally went off topic, but while I am here…how do you get past the “stuck” bump. I have tried the eating more and pretty much get the same results…

Thanks so much for your feedback! Sounds like you’re doing something similar to me. I’m much more likely to dip into my APs during the week than my WPs, because I like to hoard them for wine and other goodies on the weekend. ;-D

Tracking does seem to be the key…the weeks where I get a little too loose and start estimating, not using the POINTS tracker, etc., are the weeks when I’m almost guaranteed a gain.

But, yes, that sounds like a great idea. This week I’ve been eating almost all of my APs, because I usually am hungry and feel as though I need the extra food. And who knows, maybe my body really is telling me that it needs more fuel for my workouts. My “save EVERYTHING for the weekend” approach hasn’t been working as of late, so let’s see if giving myself permission to eat more (healthy foods!) during the week makes a difference on the scale.

I’ll keep you posted!

Thanks SO much!

Jen

(Nice to “officially” meet you). haha.

For real?! See, now, that kind of stuff has happened to me more than once. It’s so disappointing to have what you think is a “perfect” week OP with lots of activity, only to step on the scale and get nothing for your efforts. I know it’s not a week-to-week scale contest or anything, but still…it’s disheartening, and it’s hard not to be even a little disappointed!

You are AWESOME. A half marathon? SO amazing. That’s another one of my “someday” dreams. Let’s see how I do with a 5K and 10K first. haha. But I can see how that increase in activity is going to throw things off a bit…I feel like we just have to continually experiment with what works for us, you know? Especially if there’s some significant shift in our everyday routines.

Definitely keep me posted on how things are going for you — for the record, we both now have full permission to eat more than usual.

I had the Sante Fe chicken over brown rice — delish! And last night we made the Chicken Pot Pie soup. Oh. My. God. I miss pot pies SO much; those are one of my “red light” foods: I used to eat the frozen ones all the time. And the soup was a solid substitute! Loved, loved it (and had leftovers for lunch today)! I’ll be scouring the website over the weekend for more recipes — will keep you posted on what’s good.

Many, many thanks!!!

Jen

This week, I initially thought that I was only going to eat half my APs and see how that worked but after a few days I was ravenous and wound up making some really bad food choices and so now, I’ve decided to do the same: eat more. I hope I have the same results as you!

Glad you liked the Sante Fe Chicken. It’s amazing! Did you have it over rice? A baked potato? Let me know if you try anything else on that website. She’s a great cook.

Let us know how your WI goes next week! You’re on a roll!

Kelly H (aka Hamiltonmka)