I know how frustrating the feeling can be - especially when you are dedicating the time to working out and eating clean. But one thing to remember is that our bodies are a series of really complex systems that work together. So sometimes it is just one missing puzzle piece to complete the masterpiece and have everything flow together. Here are the top 4 reasons I see the most when it comes to a “plateau”: 1. The body is actually designed to adapt in every situation we place it in. It is a survival mechanism. If it’s too hot, we sweat to cool down and bring the body back to its temperature range it can function best at. If we get scared our heart rate increases to pump blood to the muscles preparing us to run. Working out is also a “stressor” to the body (just a good one) so it is constantly figuring out how to adapt and make it efficient for the body. The only catch here is to create change we can’t have it adapt for too long. This is why variability, intensity changes and style of training matters. This is where a knowledgeable personal trainer is your greatest asset to progress! 2. You can be “eating” and still malnourished at the same time. This is where spending more focus and attention on the nutrient value of the food is more important than calories. When someone says weight loss is simply achieved from being in a net deficit of calories I cringe because if it was that simple, we would all be able to follow that math and drop pounds faster than our money in our Amazon check out. But it’s not. Our body cannot use everything we eat, and can be missing very important balances of nutrients that again are required for all systems to be functioning properly. If all systems aren’t functioning properly? Your weight loss will reach a haunt. 3. This is a biggie. Long term elevated cortisol is the devil. It is extremely impactful on our bodies and can be caused by several things (usually all collectively taking effect). Lack of sleep is a big one. Training hard, eating clean and then not sleeping is literally like making 1000 dollars and then leaving it on your car seat and not locking your car. It is not going to be there when you come back. 4. This is the greatest factor because it isn’t tangible, measurable or diagnosable. It is only fixed by you taking a look at you. This my friend is called INTROSPECTION. Looking inside yourself and at the words and thoughts you are telling yourself on a daily basis. It is so common that we as individuals do not let OUR own selves see our progress. Chances are right now if you look in the mirror you are going to pick out thing you don’t like about yourself. I challenge you to require this... Stop those thoughts immediately. Look in the mirror and pick three things you love about yourself today… go on… like now. ❤️