Any tips on losing the last 5 lbs?

I have dropped 40lbs since January with exercise and diet!  I want to lose about 5 more and cant seem to do it with the same diet and even increased exercise.  Is there a secret that I am missing?

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it may that you're goal weight and you're body's goal weight don't match.

Though, several people on here lose a few extra lbs when they UP their calories to begin maintenence. Kind of convinces your body it doesn't need to hold on to those last few.

I think it's normal to plateau for a week or two while your body adjusts.   If you're still not losing, shocking your body by upping the exercise intensity or dropping calories can help.  

Those last few pounds are a killer.    I'm having some success with dropping my calories low, like 800 cal a day, just for a day or two a week.   On those days I only do light cardio.      It seemed to kickstart the weight loss again.     I don't think your body goes into 'starvation' mode if you limit it to just a random day or two a week.     Makes you tired though so can only do it on days you're not doing too much else.  

I've dropped way back on carbs when I get stuck. When the scale starts moving again add them back slowly.

Judy

Congratulations. What is your workout like? If you are not strength training do that. Also HIIT 2-3 days a week. Do that and you will have no problem with the last 5. Will also build muscle and loose fat.

Original Post by littleshellys:

Congratulations. What is your workout like? If you are not strength training do that. Also HIIT 2-3 days a week. Do that and you will have no problem with the last 5. Will also build muscle and loose fat.

 I do strength training for about 30 minutes six days a week!  Cardio includes swimming, eliptical, and walking 45-60 minutes/6-7 days a week.  I walk with clubs on the golf course once or twice a week instead of the above. 

That is what prompted this post.  I stayed between 1000 and 1500 calories last week and walked two rounds of golf on top of my regular routine and lost nothing.

We are going to Jamaica in 3 weeks and I would like to drop at least 5 more lbs.

Thank you for all of the responses! 

I am going to take a guess, can't be 100% sure without stats, but I don't think you're eating enough.  Exercising 6-7 days a week both cardio and weights tells me that might be your issue.  1000-1500 calories is barely the minimums for sedentary people.  The more working out you do in a day the more you need to consume to keep going.  You should be eating up to that 500-700 deficit after logging all your exercise.

Thanks Juice.  You might be right.  I will increase to about 1800-2000 calories and see what happens.

Definitely not eating enough! 1000-1500?? I am female, 4'11" and weigh 93-95LB and I eat way more than that. Lifting 6 days a week? Too much. I hope you are not working the same muscle groups on consecutive days. 3-4 days a week lifting is enough. You may be over training and definitely under eating.

Original Post by littleshellys:

Definitely not eating enough! 1000-1500?? I am female, 4'11" and weigh 93-95LB and I eat way more than that. Lifting 6 days a week? Too much. I hope you are not working the same muscle groups on consecutive days. 3-4 days a week lifting is enough. You may be over training and definitely under eating.

Training 3 groups split twice a week.  I did eat just over 1500 calories today!  I'll go for 2000 tomorrow and watch the scale.  Maybe its time to start slamming beers again!  LMAO!

Original Post by bamax2:

Original Post by littleshellys:

Definitely not eating enough! 1000-1500?? I am female, 4'11" and weigh 93-95LB and I eat way more than that. Lifting 6 days a week? Too much. I hope you are not working the same muscle groups on consecutive days. 3-4 days a week lifting is enough. You may be over training and definitely under eating.

 

Training 3 groups split twice a week.  I did eat just over 1500 calories today!  I'll go for 2000 tomorrow and watch the scale.  Maybe its time to start slamming beers again!  LMAO!

 Don't think beer is going to help.  But 1500 calories for a man is not enough. What are you specs? There are a bunch of online calculators that you can use to determine how many calories you should be eating. Also make sure you are getting enough good fat, whole grains, protein, fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat clean/balanced. Drink PLENTY of water. Do you mix-up your lifting routine? You should change things up every 4 weeks.

Maintenance: 2775 Calories/day

Fat Loss:2220 Calories/day

Extreme Fat Loss: 1665 Calories/day

Just did this on another site.  Looks like I need to pick up a case of Red Stripe beer on the way home to begin training for Jamaica! 

sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but those last few are a killer! Especially if you're on the lower end of it already.

I've been to within 1lb of goal- when I go up by one or 2 I drink lots and kick up the exercise (but I kick up the intake too). Try eating maintenance for a while- I know you want to get those last few gone for vaca, but it takes time. You've done so well losing, give you body a short adjustment period.

Good luck!

I consumed close to 2000 calories yesterday thanks to the Fiesta Lime Chicken at Applebees.  It feels strange to eat so much after being on such a low Calorie diet for so long.