Frustrated? Here’s what you can do.

One of the most frustrating parts of losing weight is doing everything you believe you’re supposed to do and seeing no change on the scale. After losing 130 pounds and spending nearly 22 years eating this way, I’ve learned that weight loss rarely happens in a straight line. Sometimes a stall means something needs to change. Other times, we’re making more progress than we realize.

Are You Actually Stalled?

When someone tells me they’re stalled, I want to know what’s happening besides the number on the scale. Are their clothes fitting differently? Have their measurements changed? Are they getting stronger or sleeping better?

I’ve had coaching members tell me their weight hasn’t changed in weeks, but their pants are getting looser. Well, y’all, pants don’t just grow! If your clothes are getting bigger on you, your body may be getting smaller even if your weight hasn’t changed.

We also need reasonable expectations. Losing 20 pounds over 20 weeks is wonderful progress, even if some weeks show no loss at all. A scale that isn’t moving doesn’t necessarily mean your body isn’t changing.

Take an Honest Look at What You’re Eating

If your weight and measurements truly haven’t changed for an extended period, examining your food intake can be helpful. I don’t believe everyone needs to track their food, especially when eating meat to satisfaction is working well. But when something stops working, more information can help.

People are often surprised by what tracking reveals. Some discover they’re eating considerably less than they thought. Others realize that cheese, pepperoni, or heavy cream in their coffee adds up to more than expected.

Another common problem is the cycle of overeating followed by restriction. Someone eats too much, feels guilty, and barely eats the next day. Eventually hunger catches up, and the cycle repeats.

I’ve found that consistent, adequate nutrition works better than constantly compensating for yesterday’s choices. It’s also worth reassessing your energy needs and activity level after substantial weight loss.

When Carnivore Gets Too Complicated

I love creative carnivore recipes, but sometimes we make this way of eating unnecessarily complicated. We begin with meat and eggs, then gradually add carnivore pizzas, cheesecakes, protein-powder desserts, and all kinds of treats.

I understand because I recently had my own obsession with Oopsie Cake. It’s made with eggs, cream cheese, and heavy cream, but I found myself thinking about it constantly and eating more than I intended. Eventually, I broke up with Oopsie Cake and returned to steak on a plate!

I also see people jumping between sardine fasts, fat fasting, and other challenges. It’s difficult to know what’s helping when everything changes every few days. My preferred approach is less exciting: eat adequate meals, drink water, get outside, walk, sleep well, and repeat. I call it the levelheaded consistent carnivore challenge.

Sometimes Your Body Needs Time

Chronic undereating can also contribute to difficulties with weight loss. Prolonged restriction can affect energy, sleep, and other bodily functions. Sometimes eating less isn’t the answer.

Stress and recovery matter, too. I’ve recently discovered needle felting, making little wool animals with my daughter, including an alligator holding a tiny steak! It’s reminded me how important it is to find enjoyment and comfort outside of food.

During my own weight loss journey, I would lose weight, maintain for a while, and eventually begin losing again. My friend Bruno calls those periods successfully maintaining, and I love that perspective. Keeping weight off is an accomplishment, too. If you’ve considered these possibilities and still aren’t progressing, discussing thyroid and hormone testing with your healthcare provider may be worthwhile.

These are exactly the conversations we have in My Zero Carb Life coaching. We troubleshoot together, share experiences, and offer practical guidance, community, and accountability. My hope is that carnivore helps you enjoy life without constantly obsessing over food. If you’d like some support along the way, we’d love to have you join us.