Starting off on the right track and plateaus

Without question, 2020 has been an eventful year. One for the books. What made this past year particularly noteworthy for me isn’t because of someone allegedly eating a bat soup dish then the next thing you know we’re all stuck indoors. It’s not even because of how apocalyptic things look right now.

The big detail on my mind is the moment it hit me. She tapped me on the shoulder, “I have a present for you.” Half asleep I said, “Give it to me tomorrow.” Within seconds, as you can probably tell curiosity got the best of me.

So, I opened it up.

“I’m going to be a dad?!”

I’ve made it pretty well known that we need to appreciate the importance of making subtle modifications in our training and nutrition. Well, in my case this is going to be a huge (blissful) adjustment on every single front.

Q: Got any tips on how to start off on the right track?

A: Starting a diet and exercise program is by no means pleasant. The pertinent issue that needs to be addressed is rigidity. Being too restrictive at the onset is, more or less, futile. We’re nearing the end of the first month of the new year, and it should come as no surprise that a large percentage of you with a resolution to get in better shape will be unsuccessful.

Don’t take this the wrong way, I’m not trying to sound like a Debbie Downer. The point here is: you should use this period to establish sound lifestyle and dietary habits instead of biting off more than you can chew. As such, it’s a good bet to discover what strategy serves as a happy medium for you. Find ways to build competency in each domain one at a time then tackle the next discipline.

Still somewhat apprehensive about going into the gym? Bring someone with you to keep you in high spirits. You don’t know how to approach your nutrition, consult with a registered dietician or qualified trainer.

Q: When I first started losing weight, it was going along smoothly. I was happy to see the scale going down at a fairly quick rate. But after a month and a half it has slowed down.

What can I do to speed it up again?

A:I understand the strong desire to expedite results, but you need to stop beating yourself up over what is essentially a natural part of the process. One way or another your energy expenditure (how many calories you burn) will drop the further along you’re in a deficit. Meaning, your metabolism will slow down. That’s simply the adaptation that naturally occurs in ANY diet.

Being judicious with your approach, getting in sufficient protein, and progressive strength training attenuates that.