You've been doing everything right – eating healthily, getting to the gym and focusing on your goal. All of a sudden though, it seems like your weight loss has stopped, or worse, you've actually gained a couple of unwanted pounds.

A weight loss plateau is common a few weeks or months into a diet plan, but it's no reason to get disheartened or to give up. Firstly, keep in mind that our weight can fluctuate daily due to the levels of water in our body. Hopping on the scales just once a week will give you a better picture of your weight than if you check in every day.

If you still find that your weight loss has stalled, keep these tips in mind…

1. Never go hungry
Eating too few calories per day will only send your body into starvation mode, meaning you'll conserve energy rather than burning it. Kick off your metabolism by eating smaller snacks at regular intervals throughout the day, rather than eating a big breakfast and nothing again until dinner. Yes, this will take some extra preparation time, but it'll be so worth it.

2. Don't forget carbs
If you're working out regularly, you'll need to eat some level of carbohydrates to ensure your body has sufficient energy to keep going, so don't ditch them completely! Whole grain carbohydrates like rice, brown bread and quinoa are great for keeping you fuller for longer.

3. Drink more water
One of the best ways to avoid water retention and bloating is, surprisingly, to drink more water. Avoid salty foods and stay hydrated throughout the day to ensure your body gets enough H2O.

4. Monitor your calorie intake
The more weight you lose, the less energy your body needs to keep going. Re-assess your calorie intake every month to ensure you're not overeating without realising.

5. Keep a food journal
Mindless eating and a lack of portion control are two of the main things that can stall your weight loss. Keep note of everything you eat over the course of a few days, and identify where problem areas may lie. For example, if you find you regularly reach for an extra biscuit with that mid-afternoon cup of tea, try eating a healthy snack around that time so you're less likely to crave sugar. Simple!