Don't Waste a Good Plateau!

At the summit of Linville Falls in North Carolina!

 

Ah, the thrill of the chase! Sometimes, it seems like that's what weight loss really is, doesn't it? We love the anticipation of losing the weight, and the chase - when the weight is coming off and we're high on endorphins - can't be beat. But then, we catch it. And it all stops. It isn't fun anymore. The magic is gone.

We hit a plateau.

But this is the best part! The way I see it, a plateau is our body's way of telling us to slow down, take stock of things, and retool. I know, sometimes it feels like it's our body's way to telling us that we suck and are doomed to carry those last five pounds forever, but I promise you that it's a good thing.

Think of it like a nature hike. Yeah, I'm still thinking about my recent trip to the mountains. :)  You know how when you're hiking, you come across a spot of beautiful scenery that you just have to stop and admire? You might take out your water, sit down and admire the view, rest your feet for a bit, and think about the trail that lies ahead. Or, you might think about other things entirely! It's your rest, so you can think about whatever you dang well please.

That's a plateau. A resting spot to reflect on how far you've come and where you want to go next. And you know that there are even better stops in store, because the higher you climb, the better the view.

Don't begrudge your plateau. Use it! Sit down, rest, reflect, and get ready for the next leg of your hike. Just make sure that while you do, you don't take steps backwards. Having to retrace them later is a major pain.

If you're on a plateau, enjoy it: take a picture, rest your tired self, and refuel so you can get out there and get healthy!