The 3 Stages of Fat Loss (Most People Fail at Stage 2)

Stage one is glycogen and water leaving. Every gram of stored glycogen holds three to four grams of water, which is how lose 10 pounds in 7 days challenges deliver a number. Enjoy it, but know it ends.

Stage two is metabolic adaptation, and it is where most people quit. The fixes are non-scale victories, protein plus resistance training as insurance against regain, and a maintenance calorie diet break every 10 to 14 days.

Stage three is the lifestyle phase, where habits replace motivation. National Weight Control Registry data says deeply ingrained habits are the single biggest predictor of keeping the weight off.