Half way done!...But feeling like my progress is plateauing :(

[beccaperry7]

I started my Whole30 on August 1st, so I'm halfway done!  I started at 5'10", 149.5 lbs, eating mostly healthy but partying too often on the weekends.  The first 9 days or so I felt SO much progress.  The "magic" was there, and each day I woke up feeling slimmer and more energetic.  The last week or so, however, the magic has gone away, meaning I can't seem to progress any further.  I no longer feel like I'm getting slimmer or more energized.  I think this has caused my cravings to become worse. (When you're seeing the results it's easier to be turned off by unhealthy foods).

I'm worried that the progress that I saw could have been bloat weight or something fickle.  Maybe from all the drinking I used to do.  According to the daily emails, this is generally supposed to be the time when the magic kicks in most! 

Has anyone else experienced this plateau effect?  How did you get past it and continue to see progress?  (I am working out 4-5 days a week, and have been compliant with the diet)

 

Thank you!!!

[SugarcubeOD]

It's difficult for us to say why you may be experiencing a plateau with no information about what you've been eating/drinking.

Can you post a few days of your typical intake (specific veggies, protein, fat, portion sizes, water consumption) and if it drastically differs now from when you WERE feeling better, post what you were eating at the beginning too.

Sometimes we think we've 'got it' and the template ends up going by the wayside and we end up unintentionally undereating... often a quick fix, but hard to say until we see what you've been consuming.

Also, are you under more stress now than at the beginning? 

Please also be aware that this isn't a weightloss diet and even if it was, weightloss is not linear so it's possible you're doing everything right and just at a plateau, altho with the addition of low energy, I"d say without seeing your intake that you're not eating enough and even bet that you're probably low on fat.

 

[KombuchaKid]

Hi beccaperry7!

I started on August 1st TOO!!!! This is my second whole 30. The first time I was not as strict and was not as successful. 

I feel the same way... I know its not a weightloss program, but with that as as a visual (mirror and scale) ruler it is a great motivator!! I am 5'8" and started out at 160.5lbs. I am now down to 153.2lbs. Its been 7 to 8 lbs for a week or so. I would love to be below 150! I feel like with all the foods and drinks that I have cut out, that the difference should be more significant. 

I have a super physical job and I have the energy to get theough 8 hour shifts, but havent been working out as much as I should on my off time. 

I didnt think that I ate poorly before this, but cutting out what I would consider extras: dairy (love coffee creamer and no sugar added vanilla almond milk is not the same!!), alcohol (mostly on the weekends and special occasions),etc takes this to another level!!  

I guess in the end, really taking focus of what my family and I are eating is the goal. Although, I would like to "see" the good changes on the outside too!! 

 

[ShannonM816]

5 hours ago, KombuchaKid said:

I am 5'8" and started out at 160.5lbs. I am now down to 153.2lbs. Its been 7 to 8 lbs for a week or so. 

 

And you know this how? Go reread the rules again and you'll find that not weighing yourself is one of them. It's just as important as the other rules. Ditch the scale. Seriously. You do not need it to tell you if you're feeling stronger or more energetic or if your skin or hair is looking better or if you're sleeping better or any of the other things you could be focused on instead of that number on the scale.

[Karen_Suep]

I started Aug 1 too! One of my NSVs is better blood sugar control and less hanger. (There are others but these are the ones I'm excited about atm). I also don't feel I've been following the timeline closely but then not everyone does. I'm about to the point where I'm tired of cooking but what is helping me is having a plan and not using the fact that whole foods and sprouts with their compliant chickens is only 5-10 minutes away as a crutch. I've also noticed my toddler will request one thing for lunch (usual PB&J) and then eat half of mine! (Sorry kid. Those veggies are mine!) but I'm excited that she will eat veggies!

i know it's not easy to see past the plateau but when you get to day 30, maybe you'll want to keep going. As Dory says "just keep swimming" (I really need more adult interaction o_o)

[KombuchaKid]

ShannonM816 -

I thought this was a place for motivation and honest discussion. I understand that not weighing myself is part of the rules, but that is something that I use as a tool for myself. I also realize that weighloss is a side effect and not the purpose of the w30. 

Maybe I read your post wrong, bc you can't read tone in text, but it felt very aggressive.   I joined this to help me with my last 8 days on this journey, not to be scorned.  

 

[ladyshanny]

@KombuchaKid - Shannon's response is the same one that you would have received had you declared that you had greek yogurt and sourdough toast for breakfast. It's a rule and we can't let blatant rule-breaking posts go unchallenged, sorry.  

The trouble comes because so many of us have such an emotional attachment to the scale and can feel scared and unsure when someone tells us that there is life without it.  It's scary, for sure, but it is well worth discarding that beast for 30 days and really checking in with yourself. The pull of gravity on your body is not at all a valid measure of anything other than the pull of gravity on your body. 

Please also know that (and this is said in the most respectful way), the weight you have lost in the last 3 weeks amounts to over 2.5#/week. Which is a quite a bit. Considering you are not starving yourself or restricting your intake in any way. Right?

Normally we actually delete all reference to scale-weighing and results in order to avoid any issues with others coming along and thinking they too should weigh themselves. 

[KombuchaKid]

Thank you so much, LadyShanny. I do understand the purpose behind ditching the scale.  I was responding to the original post where she indicates that she herself also weighs in. 

I agree that letting go of the scale is important and so difficult. Its a real discussion.  Why is weight so important? I started the Whole 30 with the intention that the scale was not going to rule my day, as it has in the past. I do check in weekly and thats to satisfy my own demons and a check in to make sure that this lifestlye isnt resulting in weight gain.  Its hard to believe that a person can eat all this and maintain or chisel away at the bulge. 

Not weighing ourselves ellimantes the original discussion of plateauing. I do eat, oh my goodness, I eat. I consume way more than I ever have and I love it!! So grateful to eat delicious, nutrient dense foods and not feel disgustingly full or groggy. Also, I love that my clothes feel better on and I am not starving myself or eating and feeling guilty. 

I also like "really checking in with myself." Realizing I am thirsty vs real hunger has become a mind blowing experience! Especially, while having my "monthly" while on the W30!! 

I am so close to finishing my first real Whole30! #8day2go I want to continue to live this lifestlye and not let food be the reward. I really do appreciate your support and knowledge! 

KK