How can I lose the last five pounds?

The familiar question in many gyms around the world is: "How can I lose the last five pounds?"

Losing the last five pounds of weight can be very challenging for some. You have to ask your self a few questions like what can I cut out of my diet that may be adding extra calories, am I eating enough, when am I eating, when was the last time I changed my workout routine, and am I being reasonable about my weight loss goals. Wow, you might say that is a lot to consider but not really when you think about it and these three areas can make a considerable change in your weight loss goals.

Losing that last five pounds can be as simple as cutting out foods that maybe adding to your calorie in-take or changing your workouts to higher intensity interval training. Also in a world of unhealthy body images you must ask yourself if your weight loss goal is attainable and if you really need to take off that last five or are you just being ridiculous about it.

There are many things diet wise you can do such as cut out unneeded fats like cheese, mayonaise, salad dressings, all cream sauces, and butter if you haven't already done so. Eat regularly and make sure you are consuming enough calories for your body size to insure a healthy metabolism. Monitor your eating habits and cut out late night dinners and snacks. If you are just starving for somthing late at night opt for a protein shake or a piece of fruit.

Changing your exercise routine is also a big help as our bodies can become used to the same old workout, week in and week out. If you regularly do the elliptical for your cardio try a spinning class or cardio kickboxing. Try switching up your weight training days and cardio days around from your usual schedule. Group fitness classes are a wonderful way to mix it up and take the guessing game out of what you should do next. Being in a group setting can often push you to work a little harder than you might normally do on your own. The idea is to always keep the body guessing and it will be harder for it to reach a plateau.

Share with us healthy ways you have used to take off the last five pounds?