Hitting plateaus

Most people attempting to lose weight can find they hit a plateau when the loss comes to a stop. There are ways to jump start the weight loss, said Angie Smith, fitness and wellness director for the Anderson Family YMCA.

“Change your diet, change your exercise program, you’ve got to change something over what you’re doing,” Smith said. “And you’re going to have to change it several days in a row.”

— Do strength training to work muscles, strengthen bone tissue and ultimately boost the metabolic rate.

— Change the exercise routine. Add walking, swimming, cycling, etc.

— Alter what you eat. If your menu is high in carbs, try eating fewer carbs and more protein. Carb snack every day? Change it to protein.

— Change meal frequency. If you eat three squares a day, add snacks (which may mean reducing the size of main meals).

— Used to eating 1,800 calories a day? Mix it up by eating 1,500 calories one day and 2,100 the next.

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Upcoming YMCA events

Aug. 26: Health Fair, 8:30 a.m. to noon, YMCA gymnasium

Sept. 11-Dec. 11: Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Class

Sept. 13: Fantastic Fitness Fall Frenzy weight loss challenge, pre-registration requested.

For these and other programs, call the Anderson Family YMCA, 28 W. 12th St., at (765) 644-7796.