Help me lose 5 pounds this month!

So, I have gained a few pounds back the last couple months and am at about 128 right now.  I would just love to lose 5 pounds this month (January) so I can have a little boost of confidence to go wedding dress shopping next month!  My ultimate goal is 120 but I will be happy with 5 pounds by the end of the month.  I have lost this weight before, but I would like some new advice.  I think I ate too little and worked out too much last time.  I am 22 and 5'4''.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hey, we are almost the same. I am 5'4", 128, but 26. My goal is 115-120 for maintenance. I am hoping to lose about 5 pounds this month as well. I joined the deficit challenge (I can get the link if you would like it) and plan on maintaining about 500-600 average deficit daily. I work out five times per week (3 days cardio and two strength) and have successfully lost about 12 pounds since October except I did take most of December off. I was just a little burnt out from everything. I still exercised but did mostly maintenance calories. Did you lose the weight before with calorie counting?

Exercise is always good. It sucks being short, our calories burned is so low already. Focus on making healthy food choices (instead of some drastic restriction) & even more on exercise, especially laternating circut & strength training. You'll tone up regardless of your "weight" loss = gorgeous! "Boot camp" programs are an awesome way to get in shape fast. My favourite program is at my local martial arts dojo.

Yes, I lost the weight before with calorie counting, but I just need some new motivation/ suggestions because before I was only eating 1200 cals and I think that sort of backfired.  The link for the deficit challenge would be great.  Anyone have suggestions for what you think my calorie intake should be?

Yeah, I started out way too low, too, for intake. Then I googled my BMR which is 1400. So, I think with your stats it should be quite similar. I never eat anything below that now. The BMR is what your body would burn if you did absolutely nothing all day. Even if you just laid in bed that is what you would burn. On a day that I have off, like Sat and Sun I don't do exercise, I eat about 1350-1400. I have a lightly active lifestyle without exercise. Then on days that I burn 500-600 calories I eat about 1600-1700. I hope that is explained properly, it is New years eve and I have been drinking a bit which I don't normally do so if I am confusing you I am sorry. And my browser wont link so I will come back in a little while on a different browser and edit to put the deficit challenge link in.edit for link ***   http://caloriecount.about.com/january-calorie -deficit-challenge-newcomers-always-ft124268

oh yeah, i'm the same! i gained all the weight i had spent so much time losing, all over christmas. it sucks. i'd use the new year to join a new sport! it might make things more exciting for you.