Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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I've been Paleo since Sept 2010, and its been amazing for me. I've lost weight, my allergies have almost disappeared and my energy is through the roof.

My weight loss goal is 4 lbs below where I am now. Originally it was a pipe dream, but I lost so much it became realistic.

Except, I seemed to have hit a plateau. The last two pounds took a couple of weeks to come off. I'm in really good shape now, and probably shouldn't lose more than another 4-5 lbs. But, those would be the last little bit in the belly and thigh areas that I just want to be rid of.

So, my question is how do I tell the difference between a plateau and finding my ideal weight?

Thanks for your answers!

flag	asked Jan 24 2011 at 0:15 Erin 439●2●8

Stephen-Aegis · Accepted Answer · 2011-01-24 00:48:11Z UTC

You can always get leaner if YOU want to. Do it because it will make your life less stressful, make you happier, or improve your self confidence. You dont have to have a six pack(even less so as a woman). But if its a goal you have set personally, go for it.

Here are a few PH links where I answer similar questions, let me know if you have any questions about either of them.

Its about finding that last trigger in your diet, and that last bit of stress(usually inadequate sleep)

http://paleohacks.com/questions/18531/plateaued-or-stalled-help/18541#18541

http://paleohacks.com/questions/19501/what-paleo-foods-should-i-avoid-while-leaning-out/19508#19508

Ed · Answer 2 · 2011-01-24 01:09:00Z UTC

There are 2 types of "ideal" weight: where you personally want to be, and where your body wants to be.

A plateau is a temporary "ideal" weight, which is where your body wants to be under the current set of circumstances, which includes your diet, activity level, workouts, stress level, sleep quality, sleep quantity, etc. In order to move from this plateau, you have to change one or more of the variables in your lifestyle that are keeping your weight/bodyfat at its current level.

Here are 2 posts from Sisson's MDA that I found helpful: breaking through your weight loss plateau and 17 reasons you're not losing weight.

sherpamelissa · Answer 3 · 2011-01-24 00:55:12Z UTC

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If you want it, go for it. Tweak things and push yourself to your goal weight. It always helps to know you can do it. You may find once you get there, it's hard to maintain and you float back up to where you are now. You may also find that once you push past these few pounds, you can go even lower than you thought possible!

I think you have to actually get to your goal weight, see how you feel there and compare it to how you feel now, THEN you can decide which weight is better for your body and your lifestyle.

answered Jan 24 2011 at 0:55

sherpamelissa
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Thanks for all the answers so far! I'll definitely check out the links. Part of it is that I haven't been this weight in years, so it's tempting to be happy here. Part of it is that I'm super competitive and in just want to do it because it's a goal I set. Again, thanks! – Erin Jan 24 2011 at 1:22

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I stayed at my first goal weight for a year, then pushed myself further. It really worked for me to build confidence in my ability to maintain a weight and to work on tweaking some other stuff. – sherpamelissa Jan 24 2011 at 1:47

Thanks again! I've been hovering around this one weight for about a month. I started with IF in the last week or so and exercising fasted, which seems to be giving me a kick start in the right direction. The confidence thing is so huge! I just can't believe my eyes when I look in the mirror sometimes! It's been a long time since I really felt great! – Erin Feb 16 2011 at 16:40

\o/ That's awesome Erin! I know how you feel. It's amazing. – sherpamelissa Feb 16 2011 at 19:15

Plateau or done losing weight?

3 Answers