plateau in dieting

[mbl05]

when you are dieting, why is it that you can always get to one point and then its HARD AS HELL to get below that (usually 15-20 pounds lower then starting weight).....and sometimes you even gain a little at that point even though you are still on your diet?

 

[juve]

1) adrenal depletion
2) low TSH, low rate of T4>T3 conversion, low concentrations of both hormones
3) low leptin, which leads to higher ghrelin and neuropeptide Y concentrations = increased hunger
4) body adaptation to given nutrient intake - body simply 'learns' to operate at the new level where it scarifices less energy

there are more

 

[Avo]

i've been there...i just take a night off my diet and have some beer with friends and 300 calories over my daily cal intake. After that night just follow your current diet. I've noticed that this surprises my body and gives my metabilism an extra boost

 

[onerepmaximum]

I think people tend to avoid fats and carbs too much while dieting. Your body needs more than just protein and after a while, you will stop losing weight if that's all you're taking in. Unless you're ckd'ing, I would focus more on calories and less on avoiding carbs and fat. See if that helps. Also you may try to pick up the intensity of your cardio as opposed to a longer less intense session.