Any advice for trying to shed those last 4 pounds?

I am very close to my weight loss goal but cannot seem to lose these last four stubborn pounds.  I have been eating very healthy and cutting calories.  I also have been exercising 1hr 15 min in the gym 3 times a week.  Inbetween workouts I do light exercise at home.  Any advice to shed just a few pounds?

id like to have an answer to that too! ive heard that a lot of times, by the end of people's weight-loss journey, more and more "bad" foods start to creep into their diet, thus preventing the loss of the last 4-5lbs.  but i dont think this is true for everybody..?

True.

Also, being within 4 lbs of your goal weight is pretty much like being at your goal weight.  You may want to get your body fat percentage checked, because working out that much will put lots of muscle on such that you may weigh more, technically, but you have a fitness level of body fat %, in which case, I think the best thing you can do it try to change up your routine and do more vigurous activities like a long hike on the weekend, or long distance running.  Other than that, consider yourself at your goal.  Seriously!

Do a 24 hour water fast.  Always works for me when I hit a plateau.  This is of course, only good advice if burning off a pound or two will keep you in a healthy BMI.  Don't attempt this if you're below average or underweight, your body will start consuming muscle tissue. 

Thanks for the advice.  I might try changing up my routine or doing a 24 hour water fast.  I really want to meet my goal and stay at that weight.  If anybody has any more advice, let me know.

Also, I'm not underweight.

I'm in the same situation right now l(ast 3 pounds are coming off VERY VERY slowly) and was told by fellow members to try to change my exercise a bit -- do different things than usual because your body gets used to the exercises and burns less calories even if you are exercising the same amount. Kind of like it becomes "routine". I've switched the eliptical machine with the rowing machine for cardio and am varying the intensity a bit.

I don't agree with a water fast (been there, done that) because the weight is water weight and will come right back again when you start to eat normally. Besides, if you have never fasted for 24 hours it's not pleasant. Especially if you love food like I do.

I personally find that I bloat when I eat too many bread carbs, although I do eat pasta, beans and other complex carbs. You could try cutting bread to less than 100 grams a day (or even less than 50 if you want to be really strict) and see if it helps.

I'll let you know if these things work for me -- I should know in a few days. I was down in weight this morning even though I was incredibly hungry yesterday and ate just over 1900 calories compared to my usual 1700 target average. Go figure.

I was one of the folks who recommended to scaroppo that she change things up a bit. Making a long story short, my wife was in a similar situation (close to goal for almost a year). We independently did research that found she should try mixing up her routine -- maybe even trying things that she had never done and it worked. Really don't know if we can attribute it to the new routine or if she was just working a little harder -- who cares she looks friggin' great!

Also, she just bought Jillian Michael's new book -- Making the Cut and is starting that program next week.

hey, one request to scaroppo and mchorton -- if you do try this method, could you let me know how it works for you?  I'd really be interested.  Thanks!

"hey, one request to scaroppo and mchorton -- if you do try this method, could you let me know how it works for you?  I'd really be interested.  Thanks! "Sure thing. I should know early next week if it is working.  I really appreciated the advice and I do believe that our bodies get lazy and look for short cuts -- Shape magazine has actually had several articles on this. As I said, I began mixing things up the day I read your reply to my question. I can tell you on a gut level I think you are right on target. I can tell my body is having to work a bit harder to keep up with the changes because my muscles are more tired after my workout and I haven't changed the duration.BTW - I think it is fantastic that you are so supportive of your wife. My husband has been like this with me too and it feels great to know that my hard work is not only helping me feel better about my body (at 40 years old I can honestly say this is the first time in my LIFE that I've had a totally positive body image) but is appreciated by my hubby as well.  :) have a great weekend