We all want a quick fix to those last 5 lbs, here are some tips to drop them quick and keep them off.
1. Stop drinking that soda! Extra calories, no nutritional value and lots of sugar equals fat on those hips. If you're thirsty grab a bottle of water, better yet invest in an aluminum water bottle and carry it with you. These can be bought at target for $13 to $25. Aluminum water bottles are better for the environment and keep your drink colder longer. If you're not fond of plain water try adding citrus or a little juice for some flavor, but don't go overboard.
2. 6 meals a day. Instead of cutting food out of your life, reevaluate why you are eating. You should be eating 6 times a day. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and 3 small snacks. Keep portions in control. By eating more often your body doesn't crash so there is no need to eat large meals. Breakfast smoothies are great, add protein, fruit and low fat milk to jump-start your metabolism. Snacks such as carrots and almonds are healthy and filling. and don't feel bad about having a sweet treat once a week, reward yourself.
3. Don't eat after a certain time. Each persons schedule is different, so pick a time at night to shut down your kitchen. No more snacks, if you feel hungry grab some water, since you're likely not really hungry... you had your 6 meals today correct?
4. Get moving! Yes you can lose these last 5 lbs with a diet, but that wont keep it off forever. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. That last 5 lbs will disappear a lot faster when you're attacking it with diet AND exercise. Physical activity is great for you whether or not you are trying to lose weight, so keep the process positive to make it a lifelong habit.
5. Diet with a friend. Surround yourself with other people making healthy choices to keep yourself in check.
6. Keep a Food Journal. Write down everything you eat, even if it's just one cookie. Also reflect on why you ate, was it emotional? were you stressed out? or were you really hungry? Once you start to see unhealthy patterns in your eating you can figure out ways to change them. And since you've written it down you can look back and see the progress you have made in adjusting your diet.
7. Motivate yourself! What are you fighting for? Set a goal for yourself and push yourself to meet it. I'm a visually motivated person so I keep pictures of fit celebs on my computer so I can see it while I work out. I know if I work hard and stick to my goals I'll look just as good as them.
8. Be Consistent & Don't Give Up. Results take time, don't worry if you don't lose 10 lbs in a week, that isn't healthy. Keep at it and keep track of your progress. Weighing and measuring yourself once a week is plenty and if you write it down, just like the food journal, you can look back and see how much you have accomplished!
9. Eat slower. It typically takes 15 to 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain you're full. When you chow down and don't take your time your body doesn't have a chance to tell you it's full, and that's why you over eat. So take the time to take small bites and eat slow and you'll soon learn that your portion size is smaller than what you really think it is.
10. Get A Playlist. Whether you burn a cd, or listen to an ipod listen to music when you work out. Zoning out and enjoying the music can make the workout go a lot faster. Having trouble thinking of songs? Self.com has a playlist section under Fitness, pick the songs you like and rock out.
If you're looking to lose more weight like I am you need to realize weight loss doesn't happen overnight and isn't a quick fix. Hardcore dieting and crash dieting is setting yourself up for failure. Losing weight is a life style change, you need to change how and what you eat and get your body moving. Doing that consistently will bring you the most weight loss at a steady healthy rate.
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