Lose those Last 10 to 20 Pounds

Losing those first 20, 30 or even 50 pounds may have been a steady process, but when it comes to the final stretch weight loss seems to just come to a complete halt. What gives? Why are those final 10 to 20 pounds so hard to lose?

There are a couple of reasons for this. One, a person’s weight loss goal may be so extreme that losing any weight that would put them below their healthy body mass index (BMI) is going to be, of course, a challenge (i.e. if you are 5’8”, having a weight of 110 pounds is incredibly difficult and less likely than if you were 5’2”). The other common reason is that people tend to begin to gravitate back towards bad and unhealthy behaviors: you may give excuses to slack off at the gym, or you may be snacking on your “bad” foods more frequently than before.

There’s no denying that the final few pounds are definitely the most stubborn to come off – and they may very well take the longest. But these tips will help you not only lose the last 10 pounds, but they will also help you keep it off.

Keep your Blood Sugar Levels under Control

Sugary, fatty, processed foods that are also high in carbohydrates will give you a sugar rush, and then a sugar low that will only leave you hungry and wanting MORE FOOD. Eat foods that will help keep your blood sugar levels stable (such as most fruits and vegetables, proteins and fibers) to prevent any crash cravings.

Eat Breakfast

Setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier so you can eat a bowl of oatmeal and have some juice is a MUST if you plan on losing the weight. If you do not eat breakfast, your metabolism is slow and sluggish (which causes your body to store calories as fat), and you will be easily tempted to eat a fatty snack mid-morning to make up for your inadequate food intake.

Get Intense

Stepping up your work out game is a surefire way to burn off those extra pounds. Work out harder or even change up your work out routine. Be sure to include a cardio component (such as swimming, running and biking) as well as a “weight” component (like weight lifting, yoga exercises or Pilates). Continually alter your work out routine to ensure that you are working out every part of your body.

Eat Soups and Salads before a Main Course

Loading up on a great salad or vegetable-based soup before any meal will help you from over eating, making poor food choices, and going back for second helpings. Soups and salads will help you stay feeling full for longer.

Get Support

Those lingering 10 to 20 pounds can be rather difficult to lose, if not downright frustrating. It is important to surround yourself with positive people who will help you keep a positive attitude. Those last few pounds CAN be lost, and at your lowest of moments, you need to be reminded of what an awesome job you’ve done so far.