When you first started out on your weight loss plan you were probably losing weight successfully for the first few weeks after you joined a new diet program. Then all of a sudden you become stuck at certain point later and do not seem to make any more headway. One reason that this happens is that when people start a program that only offers dieting techniques you will rapidly lose a few pounds only because most diet programs are created to offer you 'instant weight loss'. They are designed more for the people that only need to lose a few pounds. They do not take into consideration for the ones that need a more long term solution to loose, and maintain the weight loss for maximum health. Sadly enough, this 'instant weight loss' is more often than not only a temporary solution that many times will come back to haunt you even more when you gain the weight all back.

You will lose weight very quickly for the first few weeks but after that, you will suddenly discover that the scale is not going down anymore. You are not losing any more weight than what you have lost already. Then you begin to question yourself about what you are doing wrong and then discouraged to even continue. You have hit a situation commonly known as weight loss plateau. It is not your fault and you should not get discouraged. But In such situations, the only remedy is a complete overhaul of your lifestyle habits. You must learn to use a better type of program that will give you long term solutions for your weight loss.

You have probably done the same sets of exercises as well as ate the same types of foods over and over again during those first few weeks when you were losing weight. As a result your body got accustomed to your diet and exercise routine. When that happened, your weight loss methods failed to bring any sustainable results. If you want to go beyond this point, you need to change your diet and exercise regimen. Here are two methods you need to follow to get out of the weight loss plateau.

1. Calorie-counting is not the way to go: When you count your calories, you basically limit the intake of calories to an abnormally low level. When you eat low calorie foods, there is no incentive for your body to increase your metabolic rate since it has to burn only a few calories. The result is that your metabolic rate always remains at a very low level. When your metabolic rate is low, you aren't able to burn fat. In order to burn fat and lose weight successfully, you need to forget about calorie counting and eat enough so that your body is forced to keep your metabolic rate at a high level. Your body needs fuel to burn fat, and it can get that fuel only from foods.

Even though you are putting more foods in you do need to remember that it is important to monitor what kind of foods you are consuming. Look for foods that will give you a more efficient burn when you work out. You need to raise your metabolic rate that will work together with your exercising. Stay away from those foods that produce high levels of fat and have a tendency to make your body sluggish.

2. Exercise more: If you have been avoiding exercises altogether, or have been doing only light exercises, then you cannot lose weight. Weight loss is only possible if you perform high intensity workouts daily. Instead of being afraid of exercises, try to love them. Exercises are yet another powerful way of increasing your metabolic rate. Try different types of exercises to find out what you feel the most comfortable with. It makes much more fun to do when you enjoy them. And don't forget to mix them up sometimes so that you will have some variety in your workout.

When you follow these two methods and you will soon be able to acquire the slim body you desire. It does not have to be hard when you find the types of exercising that is the most fun for you. And with a little extra work on your part at watching the types of food you put into your body you will be absolutely amazed at how quickly your body will respond to your new healthy lifestyle.