If you’ve been on your fitness journey for a while, then you know exactly what I’m talking about!

Eventually, you get to a point where you just stop noticing any progress. You put in the same effort, the same work, you abide by the same routine, but end up with different results – or lack thereof.

This, of course, is ultimately so frustrating. 

But not to worry, because in this post I’m going to share with you 4 tips on how to get past that plateau and back on track towards your goals!

1. Switch it up. Whether that’s your fitness routine, your diet, or both. Our bodies are smart, and they come to know what to expect. It’s possible that the simplest tweak in your routine can get you going again! Used to weight lifting? Try a HIIT workout! On a high fat diet? Try switching back to a more carbohydrate-focused diet. Give it a shot!

2. Check for allergies. Adult onset allergies are so real! Allergies are closely related to Leaky Gut syndrome. Leaky gut and allergies disrupt digestion, promote inflammation, and affect all other body systems as a result. This can lead to issues with both losing fat and gaining muscle! If you are having gastrointestinal issues, allergy-like symptoms, or dealing with chronic inflammation, this might be worth looking into. You can pay to have an allergy test done, or go on a simple elimination diet to find the culprit.

3. Eat more! For those on a weight loss journey this may sound counter-intuitive, but trust me, it’s not. You might be skeptical… but stay with me here. Let’s say you’ve started this brutal, insane workout routine – but you’re eating the exact same. You expect to lose weight, but instead: nothing. It’s possible that your body is functioning as though food is scarce – and going into starvation mode. As a result, it’s holding onto every. single. calorie. Try upping the calories by about 100 per day at a time to find the right balance for you. Also – it’s important to fuel your body properly, so when you are active be weary of under eating! It can not only affect your weight, but also your performance!

4. Chill out. Just like adult onset allergies and sensitivities, chronic elevated cortisol levels can also wreak havoc on your body. In fact, high cortisol levels promote weight gain, especially in the midsection area. Our culture of “go-go-GO!” has made it really difficult for us to really focus on taking a breather – but trust me it’s worth it. If you’re always in go-mode and typically stressed, try taking out 30 minutes a day that is just for you. Whether that’s meditating, having a bath, or reading a book, use that time to slow down a bit each day.

Most importantly, don’t get discouraged. Plateaus happen – instead of seeing it as a giant roadblock, understand that you are probably only one small tweak away from getting back on track!

If all else fails, don’t hesitate to ask a professional for help – your health and happiness is so worth it.

Readers – have you ever plateaued before? If so, I’d love to hear your story in the comments below!