Day 99...

According to Merriam-Webster, a plateau is a relatively stable level, period, or condition. I am bummed to say, I have a reached a plateau with my weight-loss. The scale has been sitting at the same number for three weeks now. I've been exercising just as much and eating just as healthy as before, but my body is out-smarting me. The research says my body thinks I am starving. Boo!

So, I read up on weight-loss plateaus and decided on a couple of tips that might work for me. Generally, our bodies get used to the same 'ol, same 'ol and stop working how we want them to. My body is content with the way things are, but I'm not. So, instead of taking my usual one day break from exercise this past weekend, I took four days off. And, instead of consuming my usual 1,200 calories per day, I upped it to about 2,000 calories for those four days. I've heard that sometimes a little jolt can put you back on track. Today, I'm back on track with my usual calories, and I'm back to exercising, but I pulled out a couple of workouts I haven't done in a few years to see if moving different muscles might do the trick. We shall see.

I have to say, I was quite apprehensive about letting myself go off track. But, I made a deal with myself, remembered that I don't want to let God down, and stayed focused on why I was making the choices I was making. I also had to tell myself that this short-lived change of habits was not going to make me gain back 27 pounds and would not cause me to lose sight of my goal...unless I let it. I know my body pretty well, and I knew this plateau was coming. The 30 pound mark is about all  my body has ever been willing to let go of at one time. I've lost 30 pounds about five or six different times. I usually fall off the wagon at this point and think if all of this work and dedication is not doing me any good, why bother? It really hasn't been all that hard to convince myself in the past either.

But, this time is different. I've asked for God's help, and He will see me through everything, even this plateau. When Friday morning weigh-in comes, I will remind myself that I am still a beautiful child of God no matter what number is on that scale. I will tell myself that I am not defined by whatever number is on that scale, even if it's a lower one than I've seen in the last three weeks. I'm looking forward to getting back on the losing end of things, but in the meantime, I welcome any and all lessons God may be using to make me a better and stronger person.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)