Losing weight is rewarding and raises your self-esteem, until you get to that last few pounds that just won't seem to budge. Often, your body will plateau at the last few pounds when following a strict nutritional program for weight loss. To keep your metabolism high and your body burning more calories than you are consuming, tighten up your nutrition and make sure you are doing cardiovascular exercise daily and strength training three to four days a week, according to MayoClinic.com. Cutting an additional 100 to 200 calories a day and increasing the intensity of your workouts can help you lose your last few pounds of fat.
30-minute Power Walk
Step 1
Stand in proper posture, shoulders over hips and feet shoulder-width apart. Relax your shoulders, neck and head and hold your arms loose at your sides, with a slight bend in your elbows.
Step 2
Walk at a comfortable slow pace, rolling from heel to toe for five to eight minutes to warm-up. Gradually increase your pace after three minutes and increase your stride after five minutes.
Step 3
Lengthen your stride and add a walking lunge to your pace. Step your right foot forward and drop your right knee toward the floor. Squeeze your butt as you push off your back leg to come back to a full upright stance. Repeat on the left leg and continue the lunges for two minutes.
Step 4
Shorten your stride and walk at a faster pace for two minutes. Lengthen your stride, keeping your pace up for two minutes. Continue this cycle for four sets, a total of 12 minutes.
Step 5
Repeat the walking lunges for three minutes, then slow your pace down for a five-minute cool-down.
Decrease Your Calories
Step 1
Grab a handful of nuts to snack on before each meal. Eat 10 unsalted almonds or other nut 10 minutes before your meal to help fill you up, according to CNN.
Step 2
Drink only water and pass on the sugar juices and sodas. MayoClinic.com recommends women drink nine cups of water daily and men drink 13 cups of water daily to stay properly hydrated and keep the body functioning properly. Opt for water flavored with a squeeze of grapefruit, lemon, lime or orange instead of diet drinks that can be high in sodium and cause water retention.
Step 3
Eat your complex carbohydrates earlier in the day. Fill up on the majority of your daily calories earlier in your day to keep you from overeating due to hunger later in the day, according to CNN.
Step 4
Fill up on fiber-dense foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits. Trade processed snacks like chips and crackers for lower-calorie and higher-fiber fresh fruits and veggies to fill you up and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to keep your metabolism running high.
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