Breaking Through A Weight Loss Plateau
Here you are going along your Reboot, losing weight and feeling great. Then all of a sudden your weight won’t budge. What gives? The weight loss train that was cruising along at high speeds and has suddenly slammed on its breaks. You feel like you’re doing everything “right.” Before those helpless feelings creep in and rear their ugly heads attempting to derail your Reboot, take a moment to review this list of tips to see how to get your weight moving in the right direction again.
Bump up your water intake. Getting adequate hydration is very important for weight loss. Our bodies are 70% water and the metabolic process of burning fat requires the compounds water offers us (those good ‘ole Hs, and Os).
Drink more juice. Taking in too little in terms of nutrients and calories can lead to weight refusing to budge. Essentially we are hardwired to prevent starvation. We gain weight easily and taking it off is difficult. This prevents starvation in lean times. Our environment has changed much faster than our genes. Lean times are rare for most of us, although let’s not forget that hunger remains a serious problem for men, women and children across the world and often right in our own towns. (I digress from our weight loss tips but want to mention this important topic).
Balance out your juices. Be sure to add some veggies to most if not all of your juices to keep calories and carbohydrates balanced.
Get moving. Walking is a great way to boost metabolism and weight loss. If longer walks are not feasible doing 3, 10 minute walks is a great and effective option. Moderate pace is best too, no need to be an athlete, just active. Cycling, stationary bike, water aerobics, tai chi and yoga are other good ideas for exercise.
Cut the sh*t. Some folks experience constipation during their Reboot. As a nutritionist we talk about these sensitive topics all the time but many are not comfortable discussing potty talk. Stool weighs a lot! When weight loss screeches to a halt it may be that you’re backed up. Check out our tips for constipation in the FAQ section. A bowel movement, especially if it’s been a few days can lead to a 2-5# drop in weight!!!
Hit the sack early. Poor sleep and lack of sleep are correlated with difficulty losing weight. Addressing sleep is often enough to get the scale moving again.
Check your weight weekly. While it’s tempting to get a daily number, this can do more harm than good. Everyone’s weight will bump up and down a few pounds day to day. It’s not meaningful in terms of actual weight lost or body composition changes but it’s very meaningful in terms of being discouraging and playing mind games.
Think big picture. Are your clothes fitting looser, have you lost inches? It is not unusual to see body composition changes before weight loss.
Practice patience. Research shows that our body’s internal environment will often change faster than our weight. Your blood pressure may be less, your cholesterol or blood sugar may be lower, you may have more energy, clearer skin or stronger nails and hair but that darn scale doesn’t show any of these achievements. Don’t despair! Your weight will move in time. Weight loss is a very complex process.
Connect with your supports. We are all in this together! Whatever your Reboot goals we are all here to support each other. When you are feeling down about your weight or any other aspect of the Reboot process please remember to reach out. You are not alone.
Everyone’s Reboot and weight loss journey is unique. It is always possible to tweak an individual’s day to day diet, activity and other lifestyle factors to get back on track. Shoot me a message if you have questions about how to get your weight loss or other Reboot goals back on track if your progress seems to be stalling. If you have found ways to get the results you’re looking for with your Reboot please share them with us!


I soo needed this article right now. Thanks for sharing. I am on day 57/92 and have lost almost 45 pounds and have just 50 to my goal weight! Thanks!!! Will be using the advice.
Way to go Clarissa!!! Keep up the good work
Just got the juicer and plan to start after a good grocery store/farmers market trip. So glad I came across this article before getting started. It’s given me several things to think about (that I hadn’t thought about) and motivating me all over again.
[...] If you have weight to lose and find at any point in your Reboot this weight loss slows or stalls you may want to take a closer look at the quantity and combinations of produce you are juicing or eatinghttp://jointhereboot.com/breaking-through-a-weight-loss-plateau/ [...]
Hi Stacy
My name is Isabel, I was wondering if i could talk to you on the phone I have questions about the juice fast. Thank you so much
Great link! Thx Stacy
Hi Stacy, awesome article thanks! i see where i might have gone wrong during my plateau…. just a quick question with regards to the “potty talk”
– i’m on day 35/60 and about 90% of the time my stool is very loose, I’ve only had a bit of constipation the last couple of days but otherwise it’s almost liquid – is that normal?
Hi Angelfish, Thanks! It’s not uncommon to have looser stools on the reboot. If you are going more then once a day or concerned here are some hints http://www.jointhereboot.com/faq-what-about-diarrhea and be sure to stay hydrated with electrolytes.
What about weight gain? I’m on my 15th day; I had lost 14 lbs up to day 13, but today I gained 2 lbs. Is this normal? I haven’t changed anything in my plan. I’ve been exercising, I drink lots of water, I go to the bathroom everyday, etc. I’m not juicing, I’m smoothing.
Hi Dinah, it is very common to see your weight go up and down a bit especially with losing 14 lbs in 13 days. If your weight continues to go up let us know; we can help. But I think that as you continue with your healthy plan your weight will start to trend back down, if you are overweight.
Are you just doing the smoothies? I myself prefer the thought of smoothing instead of juicing. Are you getting positive results?
Hi Stacy, I am on day 13. the first two days I went up a pound. Since then I have lost 3 pounds. I was a pretty healthy eater before, mostly Paleo. While I could loose some weight, my primary reason for rebooting is to cleanse and try to kick some allergies BUT I am concerned that the lack of weight loss means that something else might be wrong or ineffective. Any thoughts?
Hi loveroflife77, great question and glad you are checking in about your weight loss. Here is some info – check it out and see if there is something here you can tweak in your plan to get the scale moving. Let me know if you have any ?s or if you are continuing to have trouble losing weight.
http://www.jointhereboot.com/breaking-through-a-weight-loss-plateau/
Day 13 for me….lost only 8 lbs….:(
since i started riding my bike everyday for 1 hour i put back 8 lbs i lost in firsty week…I feel like it’s not working for me…or i might doing something wrong… I feel dissapointed at the moment …and i’m not sure if i want to carry on…?
Hi loobiloo, losing 8 lbs in 13 days is actually really good and much faster than usual, about twice the standard rate of 2# per week. Did your eating increase when your exercise picked up? Perhaps the weight gain is due to needing more hydration given the increase in exercise? There are many potential variables and we can figure out your situation together to get things moving in the right direction again. Did anything in this article stand out as being relevant for your personal situation (like water, constipation, etc..?)
[...] http://www.jointhereboot.com/breaking-through-a-weight-loss-plateau/ [...]
I’m not sure…what is going on…No i did not increase my eating when started the exercise because i am only juicing…Sometimes i do not drink enough juice because i do not always feel hungry enough to drink 64 oz every day…Is it possible that might be a reason…? Should i push myself to drink 64 oz even if i’m not hungry? There are days that i do not feel like drinking water at all…i’m not sure why…? Yes, i do have problems with constipation…:( Thank you, Stacy
This is me. I was looking for an answer to this…
Thanks for this uplifting information. I am at day #30 of my juicing journey, and 30lbs lighter. My goal is another 60 lbs. Will start some walking and biking, along with more water.
Thanks again.
Hi Stacy, Age 59 good health but would like to loose forty pounds. On day six of yet to be determined length Reboot….I feel fine, plenty of energy, no food cravings, and am sleeping better than I have in years. My issue is; I have regained the only two pounds lost which were lost in the first two days. Not discouraged, just wondering if this is common. -KBrown
Hi Stacy,
I am on day 17, um I think, of my 60 day Reboot. I lost a lb a day till I caught a cold. That was over a week ago. My cold has since turned into an upper respiratory infection. I asked my doc’s office to hold off the antibiotics for a few days to see if my body will fight it off. I would really like to lose 30 more lbs. But no weight loss this week. Could all this phlegm, mucus, & congestion in my lungs be causing my plateau?
Hi Susan, congrats on your reboot so far! Yes, your infection could slow your weight loss since your body needs to focus on fighting off the infection and building your immune system. Keep up with your intake of carotene rich foods like carrots, squash, cantaloupe and other orange/yellow fruits and veggies. Ginger may be very helpful as well for your immune system. It is also OK to modify your reboot to include soups, salads, meals and plant proteins while you are sick to help with recovery. Nuts, seeds and beans, lentils, legumes, whole grains like quinoa can all help provide important minerals and protein your body needs to get well. Then go back to just juice. Hope you get well soon
Stacy,
Thanks for your reply & information! I was able to continue juicing through my upper respiratory infection & did not require any medication. I’m all better now, currently on day 30 of juicing, and down a total if 16 lbs. working towards my goal of a size 6. I’m going to use the next 30 days to continue juicing while adding whole grains, legumes, & raw veggies info my diet. Thanks again for your support!
Hi Susan, SO glad to hear you are well and continuing to juice! Way to go and very appreciative you let us know that your infection is gone and that you are doing well. Wishing you all the best as you continue your journey. Feel free to reach out anytime with questions.
This only confirms my suspicions for my continued progress, thanks for breaking it down more. This just validates my reasons, I really am glad to find articles like this to help keep the motivation going.
I’m gaining body fat and I have gained muscles. I’ve been exercise almost daily for almost year. I’m postmenopaused and I’m 54 years old. My cardio is GREAT and STRONG. I have great energetic however I’m not able to lose body fat…..Is this due hormone imbalance?? Maureen
Hi Maureen, have you tried a reboot? Eating more fruits, veggies including juice can help with losing body fat and hormonal balance. Great that you are so fit!
Hi Stacy. Would 7-9 juices be too many? I wonder if the digestion process is a little different with juices compared to solid foods? If I am hungry therefore, do I just make another juice and enjoy or limit myself to the 4-6 per day? (depending on exercise amount that day)
Hi Jan, 7-9 may not be too much depending on your hunger level. 4-6 is our standard sugestion but some people do need more. They can be pretty filling so see how you feel and go from there. With exercise more is certainly a good idea.
Is it okay to do smoothing instead of juicing…will I see the same results as juicing?
Hi Creole – blending can be a great way to go! Here’s more about blending and juicing.
My husband and I are on day 12 of our 30 day juice fast and we both hit a plateau. 11lbs lost in 9 days and then 3 days, still no weight loss. Started walking 40 mins everyday to jumpstart miur metabolism. We’ll try to stop checking the scale everyday. Juicing has been the most fruitful program Ive been on. Ha! a pun. Best of luck everyone!
I started a reboot and am on day 21. The first week I lost 20 pounds, now at 270 and I started excercising as well. However, after the first week I haven’t managed to lose another pound. Even increasing the amount of excersise on week 3 I seem to have hit a brick wall. Any advice would be appreciated. Mean green is the main juice I drink throughout the day with a fruit (apple, orange, or pear juice in the morning).
Hi Wyatt, congrats on being at day 21!!! Your average is about 1 pound per day which is right on track even though the rate was fast then stalled. So hang in there the scale will move down again with time. But you may also need to drink more juice and water given your increase in exercise. How much water and how much mean green are you having?
about 2 quarts a day with at least a gallon of water a day if not more.
OMG can someone PLEASE just answer the question how many calories are in the mean green juice?
please email me @jenkildare@yahoo.com
This article was so helpful. I did a 2 week reboot and lost 13 lbs, but got frustrated and stopped when I plateaued. After reading this I am going to restart!
I find juicing constipates me so I would like to drink prune juice every morning. Is there a store bought one that is natural enough or how can I make my own?
Hi Karly, So glad the article was helpful. Glad you are encouraged and going to restart! Prune juice is a great idea for helping alleviate constipation and fine on your juice fast – look for the lowest sugar possible; try a health food store. You can warm it up and add lemon for more potency and flavor.
thanks for sharing this article . I am at a Plateau right now I lost 27 lbs so far two months I did a 21 day reboot and now I am still juicing and eating veggie’s,fruit ,nuts and beans . At times fish only . I feel like I can’t get past this plateau and I was getting depressed about it . I work out three days a week along with swimming two days . so I really needed to hear this I will be patient . I drink lots of herbal tea as well as jusice is that good for fluids ?
hi,
I strted juicing Jan 14th . i lost 4lbs when i started the juicing and didnt step on the scale until now. almost one month juicing and i have gained 8 lbs! I am 6 months post partum and EBreastfeeding my baby. nothing seems to be working… i do have a few oranges at night for fiber and a cup of cashews for my seratonin…. very discouraged…
Hi Wani, we do not advise a juice fast or reboot while nursing – this could be part of why you aren’t losing weight. Even with a few oranges and cashews you may not be getting enough nutrients for you and baby. Including fresh juice once or twice a day and eating a healthy plant based diet is advised for nursing moms.
did you really mean a CUP of cashews? are you aware that a cup of cashews has about 750 calories and 60 grams of fat? just wondering if that could have an impact on the weight gain. hth.
First of all, I wanted to personally thank Joe for not only helping me, but think of all the people you helped by taking the time to make your film. A LOT of people are truly grateful.
Now, a shout out for you, Stacy Kennedy, for also taking time out of what much be a very busy work week to answer all of our questions.
Third, I can second from my experience exactly what Stacy has been posting, I have been taking her advice “to the letter” and have gotten great results.
Thanks Gimmemoreplease!!!
I have started my juice fast today. I am hoping to lose about 40-45 lbs.
As I made my first juice, I added the nutrients to myfitnesspal, to see all what I was getting.
I made my drink with two fuji apples, three kiwi, cup and a half of kale and a beet.
That was 475 calories!
The kiwi really put the sugar up there, and the potassium is WAY up there.
Should any of these things be worries?
Probably not put so many kiwi or apples in the next one?
But that was one of the best tasting juices I have EVER had!
I never lose the weight everyone else does.. so I am hoping… I did the ten day lemonade detox with cayenne pepper, fresh lemons and grade B maple syrup and lost nothing… I didn’t cheat and stayed true… so really, really hoping.
Hi Heather, welcome to reboot and wishing you all the best. Don’t be alarmed by the nutrient values; when you juice part of the veggies/fruits are removed and so the math doesn’t work out quite the same. There is a percentage reduction in calories, carbs, fiber, protein, etc… that goes out with the pulp. On average many juices are 180-320 calories depending on the ingredients. Try to make your juices 80% veggies 20% fruits which will add up to loads of nutrients with less calories.
Hi Stacy-
I saw the movie and was so motivated to do something about my weight. I want to do what Joe and Phil did on the movie. I want to do a 10 day juice only. I am wondering if they did one kind of juice or if they made different juices. Please let me know so that I can start my journey. Thanks so much.
Shabi
Shabirahimi@hotmail.com
Hi Shabi, so glad the film helped motivate you to lose weight! Joe and Phil mainly drank Joe’s Mean Green juice however we do encourage a variety of colorful juices. Check out our plans for more details and recommendations http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/plans The 3-day plan is juice only or the middle 5 days (6-10) of the Classic plan to give you an idea of where to get started. You could repeat these menus for the 10 days. Wishing you all the best!
Hi, I’ve read the comments so I feel better about my plateau. I am on day 10 and dropped 11 lbs but am back up 3 for the last 3 days.
I’m curious what you think about having a few raw almonds or avocado a couple times per day? I’m really feeling the need for protein but I don’t want to derail my weight loss.
I drink smooth move tea every night and yogi tea healthy detox twice a day. I don’t feel “backed up” but my stomach is really uncomfortable and gassy.
Thank so much I was feeling discouraged , but I feel revitalized
It’s day eleven, and the weight has slowed down, and so has my appetite. I am not hungry in the morning, and have to force my self to drink. I have increased my vitamin supplements, water, and juices. I am constipated, but I cant seem too really go. I have been considering an enema. I am tired of urinating so often. I feel pretty good, but I feel frustrated. I would like to loose 40 lbs, and have added walking for 1 to 2 hours. I was dreaming about food, and lived vicariously through my family. I would prepare exotic food combinations with the remnants of the juicing pulp. I enjoyed the feel, smell, sight of food preparation. I must admit i got weak and sucked on a couple of pistachios. I even ate about twenty, and licked the spoon after food preparation, but I am back to just juicing. I wish to make it another 39 days , and I am hoping my weight loss pick up some. any suggestions?
Hi Darlene, your reduced appetite for juice may be due to the constipation. We have tons of tips in the FAQ section; have you seen those?
A few to share here:
-be sure to drink plenty of water (sounds like you already are)
-Include beets & cabbage in your juice
-Try Senna tea (find at health food aisle or health food store, Smooth Move is 1 brand but there are others) You can drink this 2x per day as needed
-Start the day with hot water with fresh ginger root & a squeeze of lemon
-Walk/exercise
-Try warm prune juice with lemon – lowest sugar available.
-If you are very hungry add in some raw veggies or salads or veggie based soups to help with both hunger and constipation.
Thanks for this, I did a 10 day juice only and lost 3.2kg and then i moved on to juice for brekkie and juice for lunch and a healthy balanced meal with the family for dinner and have been doing this for nearly 2 weeks and not lost anything?? gonna try above tips and hope it helps i really wanna see some movement on the scales again!!
I have a question about all the pulp that is wasted when juicing – is it better to prepare juice in a blender that pulverizes the entire fruit, or simply extract the juice? Seems like such a waste
Hi Marcia, there are many wonderful ways you can include the pulp in recipes so that besides composte you can use it all! For example, broth is a great way to use the pulp while on a juice only reboot. Here are more ideas:
http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/warm-up-with-juice-pulp-veggie-broth-recipe-of-the-week/
http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/thai-infused-vegetable-broths-recipe-of-the-week/
http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/reboot-moussaka-recipe-of-the-week/
http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/pulp-non-fiction/
http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/meatless-monday-lemon-mint-lentil-soup/
Enjoy!
[...] are more tips for weight loss during your Reboot. Tags: Anti-Cancer Foods, Breast Cancer, breast cancer [...]
thanks for the info.