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Biggest Loser Week Two - Plateau Time

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If you tuned in last night, you know the theme was the notorious plateau. After experiencing stunning results in week one, most everyone noticed a significantly lower weight loss in week two, which has been typical in past seasons as well. Whether it's week two or week twenty, it's always frustrating if you're working out REALLY hard, and sticking to a healthy eating plan, only to find that there's little movement when you step on the scale. This is one of the many unpredictable facets of weight loss.

That's why it's so important to take other baseline measurements. As I wrote in Positively Ageless, Dr. Huizenga, (the sports doc behind the The Biggest Loser) says that an ordinary tape measurement of your waist, may be the most cost-effective way to follow your fat loss at home.

Have a friend or family member place a nonmetal tape measure around your waist, exactly parallel to the floor at belly-button level. After you let out a breath, have your helper take two waist circumference readings -- do additional readings if these two are more than half an inch different. This measurement, along with your starting weight, can be an effective way to track your progress. I always track waist measurements as well as weights, when following clients in my private practice. Even if the scale stops moving for awhile, the tape measurement is a trusty back-up to reflect the results of your hard work.

The other thing to keep in mind if you're just starting out is to set realistic goals for yourself. You didn't gain weight (or lose muscle tone) overnight. Consequently your excess pounds won't melt away overnight (and you won't likely wake up with shredded abs either. )

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