FHM Christina has been through an amazing weight loss journey. You’ll get to read her entire story when I publish my FHM interviews. As with any journey, there are hiccups along the way. With that comes the opportunity to learn. Christina asked me a few great questions on Facebook yesterday. As I was answering I realized this info would be valuable to many of you who are working on a weight loss goal.

So here’s our conversation on Weight Loss Plateaus, the Best Protein Bars and the Dang Scale. . .

FHM Christina: OK, Sara. I need a little push here. I have hit a plateau that I can’t seem to get past. Since Jan 5th, I’ve been all but cutting out carbs (although, I just found out this morning that the Zone Perfect protein bars I have once a day as part of a snack/meal have 24g of carbs, and I didn’t know it!), having a piece of peanut butter toast or bowl of Kashi first thing in the morning an hour before working out. The rest of the day, I try to keep it to lean protein, lots of veggies, including good fats (like I said, other than the protein bars). I drink a good 7 16.9 oz bottles of water a day, try to eat dinner by 6:30 or 7 and only chew a piece of gum/drink water after that. I haven’t had a dessert since Jan 4th and use organic agave syrup or honey in my coffee in the mornings (about 2 tsp). I don’t really even miss the sugar! I’ve been working out at least 6 days a week, at least doing the 10 minute workout you posted at the end of the year on my days off. I alternate HIIT workouts (yours or INSANITY) and running. I am 4.5 lbs above the lowest weight I attained last fall, but would like to lose maybe 6-10 more lbs. I also try to measure out my servings and use a small plate at dinner. Are there lower carb options for protein bars? Are protein bars even a good idea? Any other suggestions you could offer? Thanks!

ME: Sounds like you’re on a great path here, Christina! For the protein bars, I recommend Zing Bars or LaraBars. Zings are DELISH and have a base of peanut butter or almond butter for protein and are sweetened with agave. LaraBars are great too and are raw bars with 2-5 ingredients. My main criteria for a good bar is that is does not have SOY protein as a base (like Luna and Clif/Builder bars) or have a ton of unrecognizable ingredients or the sugar content of a candy bar. “Real” food is always better than a bar, but for the sake of convenience a bar here and there is not bad if you get the good ones. Also, “front loading” carbs is excellent. Get them in early in the day to use as fuel and then minimize them as you get past lunch. From lunch on all carbs should come from fruits and veggies for maximal weight loss results.

Other than that, keep doing what you’re doing. Did the scale stop moving? If so, how are things fitting? Often the scale will stall and clothing will continue to get baggier -a sign you’re building muscle. So don’t be too focused on the # on the scale!!

FHM Christina: Thank you, Sara! Yes, the scale has just stopped moving. I was down a lb & a half more early last week, & just can’t get anything to work. My clothes fit well. I don’t know. It’s hard to tell. Rarely in my life have I been this size (7/8), and before this it had been a long time since I wore clothes that fit well. I’m just going to keep on keeping on. Thanks for the protein bar suggestions. I’ll definitely look into those!

ME: If it’s only been stuck for a week that is NO BIG DEAL!! Don’t let it mess with your head. Could easily be water retention – esp if it’s within 2 wks before your period. Focus on getting smaller/leaner rather than lighter – I PROMISE it’s better! I always weigh with in 5 pounds of the same weight, but vary btwn 3 sizes depending on how much muscle I’m packin’!!

I hope this was helpful to you. If you have follow up questions/comments, post below. THANK YOU Christina for letting me share your questions in order to help other moms – and keep ROCKIN’ that body transformation (aka 7/8 clothes)!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!

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