Found this blog – very similar to my own.
Weight Loss Plateau
Since i seem to have hit a Plateau…
Why Does a Weight Loss Plateau Occur?
A plateau may occur because (1) your body simply wants a “rest” to cope with your calorie-reduction; or (2) your calorie-intake is in balance with your calorie expenditure; or (3) you have reduced your calorie-intake too low. If your calorie-intake is too low, your body thinks there is a “famine” and slows down your metabolism (how fast you burn calories) in order to conserve calories.
How Do You Start Losing Weight Again?
(1) Raise your metabolism (and calorie expenditure) by increasing your activity level. This boosts your metabolic rate and usually re-starts weight loss. For example, if you exercise for 20 minutes each day, increase this to 25-30 minutes each day, and weight loss should resume. If you are already exercising quite hard, try varying your workout routine. For example, if you do 20 minutes cardio and 30 minutes strength-training, switch them around.
(2) Avoid going too long without food. Going without food for long periods can also trigger a weight loss plateau. Ideally eat something (e.g. piece of fruit) every 3 hours (women) or about every 5 hours (men). This reassures your body that food is plentiful and facilitates calorie-burning.
(3) Try to be patient. Your weight loss plateau will disappear, I promise. But it typically takes anything between 1-4 weeks.
50 Biggest Dieting Mistakes
this is according to ediets:
50 mistakes made by dieters
1. Going on a diet that is NOT a manner of eating that can’t be adhered to for life.
2. Believing they can eat cabbage soup every day.
3. Obsessing over counting calories.
4. Weighing in more than once a week.
5. Not drinking enough water.
6. Drinking sugar-laden drinks, such as lemonade, sodas, gourmet coffees, fruity blends, etc.
7. Eating more bread, pasta and potatoes than proteins, lean meats, fruits and vegetables.
8. Consuming processed foods more often than fresh foods.
9. Taking the benefits away from vegetables and fruits by overcooking them.
10. Having a negative, defeatist attitude.
11. Blaming others for their shortcomings.
12. Being quick to judge.
13. Not having a plan.
14. Not being aware of the nutritional benefits or harm of what they consume.
15. Finishing every last bite even after they are full.
16. Going back for seconds.
17. Eating at all-you-can-eat buffets and getting their money’s worth.
18. Skipping breakfast.
19. Starving all day, thinking it’s the only way to lose weight.
20. Bingeing after falling off the wagon and then waiting until tomorrow to get back on track.
21. Thinking they are genetically destined to be fat.
22. Not believing they have the ability to change.
23. Confusing fat with a personality trait.
24. Thinking they are unattractive.
25. Not living each day to the fullest. Thinking that will come when they are thinner.
26. Wasting time.
27. Not finishing tasks they start.
28. Postponing tasks that need attention.
29. Rationalizing.
30. Thinking pills, powders or potions are more powerful than they really are in realizing weight loss.
31. Thinking of exercise as a must do or chore.
32. Not scheduling exercise as a vital part of their day or week.
33. Indulging in alcohol often.
34. Watching sports rather than participating in sports.
35. Watching television more than one hour a day.
36. Not giving much attention to personal hygiene or appearance.
37. Refusing to read self-improvement materials on a regular basis.
38. Giving up and resigning to being fat.
39. Finishing the food off others’ plates while doing dishes.
40. Tasting and nibbling on the food while cooking.
41. Baking cookies, pies and cakes more often than at holidays.
42. Always having candy in dishes for guests, but eating more of it themselves.
43. Buying unhealthy snack items for the kids but eating it themselves.
44. Not having vegetables and/or fruit with each meal.
45. Serving more carbohydrates than any other food group for meals.
46. Thinking dieting — not total lifestyle change — will lead to lasting weight loss.
47. Not visualizing themselves actually living a healthy lifestyle.
48. Not taking vitamins and proper supplements.
49. Consuming fast food on a regular basis.
50. Waiting for tomorrow to get started rather than RIGHT NOW!
If you see yourself in any of these mistakes, then it is time to change. After all, what do you have to lose?!