How to beat a 2 yr plateau

Question
I am a 5'2" female and I weigh 145 pounds. In my senior year of college I was able to improve my eating habits and exercise and lost 25 pounds, but I can't seem to lose the last 15 to 20 I'd like to. Most calorie calculators say that to maintain my weight I need 1500 calories. I try to eat 1200 to 1400 calories a day and exercise four times a week (an hour or more each day of high intensity cardio) to reach the 3500 calorie a week deficiency I need to lose 1 pound a week.  In general, it doesn't work. I stay the same but I rarely lose. What could I be doing wrong? I have fluctuated between 140 and 145 for the last two years. Please help!

Answer
Hello Moriah!

   Thank you for your nutrition question. It sounds like you are eating the correct amount of calories for weight loss however, you may need to include more weight training as part of your routine.  Working with weights helps you build muscle which in turn boosts your metabolism(rate which your burn calories) This includes working different body parts with the use of light free weights.  A fitness instructor can help you develop a good weight training program.  
  In addition, sometimes the scale can be deceiving. Have you noticed whether your clothes are fitting looser? You may be leaner because you have more muscle however, the scale may show the same number because muscle weighs more then fat.

For more answers to your nutrition questions check out "Ask the Nutritionists" by George Rapitis at www.authorhouse.com or your favorite bookstore.

-George Rapitis, Bsc. Nutritionist
www.juiceblend.com

1. Prev:The difference between oat and wheat
2. Next:No Chest