Plateaus happen, they are common so expect them - but unless resolved, most people simply discontinue their workout regimens. Here's what to do:

1. Take a honest look at what you're eating.

You may have cut all junk food from your diet but – it's not fair I know – you can still take in too many calories from healthy foods. Healthy does not equate with 'all you can eat'. It's misleading. If you're sure your diet is tip top healthy then remember to only eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full.

2. Do not overcut calories

Starving yourself in an attempt to blitz a plateau may work short term but you risk inducing a counter-binge and completely messing up your metabolism. We're in this for the long term, right?

3. Vary your exercise

If you're currently swimming for cardiovascular benefits then try jogging. Or cycling. Mix it up. Vary speed, duration and frequency. If you do the same activity every day, your body will become accustomed to it and will gradually be able to perform the task without expending as much energy. By trying a new sport, fitness class or outdoor activity, you will challenge your body to work even harder. In addition, new activities allow you to cross train, reducing your chance of injury or burnout.

Add to your potential calorie burn by paying attention to your muscles. Begin a light weight training programme and over time your body will look leaner and more defined as well as being a more efficient calorie burner. If you are motivated by working towards definite goals (and who isn't) then find and enter a local challenge such as one of the upcoming Christmas fun runs. It will give you focus, purpose and a whole lot of new friends on the day. Not to mention the chance to wear a set of antlers.

4. Take up a new hobby

No, not fell walking or basketball – something non-physical (unless you love exercise more than anything else!) that interests and absorbs you to the extent that you forget about your 'plateau' obsession, diverts your attention from food and gives you great pleasure. Only you will know what that is. For me it would be joining a book club or studying a new subject such as aromatherapy.

5. Don't give up!

I know you feel frustrated and hopeless and just like giving up. Channel all of this emotion into constructive energy and pour it into creating your new plan incorporating some or all of the advice above. Then stick to this new programme for at least three weeks before thinking of tweaking again. Don't flit about you'll be gleefully sliding down from that stubborn plateau in no time.