How to Lose that Last Five Pounds

When you first start working out, it seems those pounds just seem to melt away. But when it comes down to those last five pounds, they couldn’t be more stubborn. Here are some helpful tips to shred that fat for good!

Rev up your Metabolism

Focus on fiber-rich foods that have a thermogenic effect. This causes your body to expend more energy as it breaks down food.

Try foods such as: dark leafy greens, asparagus, radishes, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, artichokes, zucchini, green beans, hearts of palm, mushrooms, quinoa, raw almonds, and low sugar fruits like Asian pears, kiwi, and grapefruit.

Drink More Water

Drink 10-12 glasses of water per day. If you aren’t drinking enough water, your body becomes dehydrated and dehydration leads to burning fewer calories.

Drink 2 glasses of water before each meal. This hinders your body from absorbing as many calories.

Bump Up the Intensity of your Workouts

When you are consistently working out and following the same routine, your body can grow accustomed to the routine.

Kick up the intensity of your workouts to challenge your muscles. Work out longer and/or harder, do more reps of strength-training moves and vary the order, increase the size weights you’re lifting, or you can try doing two workouts a day.

A few more tips:

• Don’t eat until you’re full
• Eat every 3-4 hours
• Record your food intake
• Cut out some of the carbs you are eating

Following these suggestions will have you well on your way to losing that pesky last five pounds. So what are you waiting for? Get up, get active, and good luck!