Losing the last 5 to 10 lbs. is often difficult. Generally, by this point, your body has reached a weight loss plateau and you have to change up your weight loss program to be able to lose those final pounds. On top of that, you may be getting tired of your current diet. With a little persistence, it is possible to lose those last pounds. A few tweaks to your diet and exercise should get you to your goal weight.
Step 1
Keep your eyes on the prize. It is easy to become unmotivated when you get to the point where you have to lose 5 or 10 lbs. Remember the reasons you want to lose weight. Ask family and friends to help you keep your goals in mind. Put a symbol of your weight loss goal in the places where you are most likely to eat, such as the kitchen and your car.
Step 2
Relax your diet, but don't forget about it. By the time you get down to losing the last 5 to 10 lbs., you will be able to add foods into your diet that were forbidden before. Regardless of what foods you are eating, pay attention to the portion size and focus on eating in moderation.
Step 3
Drink water instead of sugary drinks or soft drinks---even diet ones. Drinking empty calories, such as those in soft drinks, can compromise your weight loss program, making it harder to lose the last pounds.
Step 4
Pay attention to your sodium intake. When your sodium intake is too high, your body will hold on to excess fluid, which means you will have excess water weight. By limiting your sodium to under 2,000mg a day will minimize the risk that you will have excess water weight.
Step 5
Increase your exercise. At a minimum, you should be exercising for one hour a day on most days of the week. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 60 to 90 minutes of moderate exercise to lose weight and keep it off. If you have been working out for the minimum of 60 minutes per day, increase your time to 90 minutes. You will burn more calories, which will help your weight loss.
Step 6
Change up your exercises. This will alter the way your body reacts to the exercise. For example, if you have been walking, try swimming, jumping rope, rollerblading or biking. Aerobics classes, hiking and sports such as basketball or tennis are also good options.
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