2014 is your year to Be Your Best! Now is the time of year that most people get motivated to start getting healthy, fit, and lose weight. In the beginning of a new routine results typically start to show very quickly, but then comes the dreaded plateau. Don’t be discouraged! It’s natural for your body to get used to your healthier lifestyle. And the good news is that you can avoid plateaus with just a few easy changes.

5 tips to beat a weight loss plateau:

1. Consume high protein meals and snacks. Studies show that higher protein diets help suppress hunger, increase satiety and burn fat, thereby promoting weight loss. Start your day with a NeoLifeShake to give your body the nutrients it needs!

2. Add time to your workout. If your routine already leaves you feeling exhausted, try adding increments of 5 minutes each week – add 5 the first, 10 minutes the next, then 15 and so on until you reach 60 minute workouts.

If you are only working out 3 days a week, then gradually push yourself to 4-5 days a week. Working out doesn’t mean going to the gym. If you are busy, take your dog for a walk, or during your break go for a brisk walk with co-workers. Make it fun, working out shouldn’t feel like a chore!

3. Switch up your routine! Instead of your usual 30 minute jog, try intensity intervals. Go hard for 60 seconds and rest for 30 seconds. Do this for 30 minutes. Or try increasing the weight during strength training sessions. Push yourself to the next level to achieve your goals.

4. Don’t starve yourself. Leaving your body hungry will cause your metabolism to drop. Your body begins to store calories to conserve energy instead of burning them off. When you’re hungry reach for a healthy, high protein snack. Be sure to keep healthy options on hand so you don’t give in to fast food!

5. Don’t over do it. Exercise is so crucial to reaching your health goals but too much can damage your cause. Everything in moderation; your muscles develop when they rest so it is important that you give your body the time it needs to recover. Take at least 1 rest day a week. A rest day allows you to train even harder the next!