5 Things That Take Under 5 Minutes That Can Help You Easily Lose Those First or Last 5 Lbs

5 Things That Take Under 5 Minutes That Can Help You Easily Lose Those First or Last 5 Lbs

It can be exhausting to lose those last 5 pounds, especially if you’re eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise. On the other hand, it may be just as exhausting to get started on your healthy journey to lose those first 5 pounds.

No need to worry, look to these expert-approved strategies below whether you’re trying to figure out how to lose those FIRST or LAST 5 pounds in a sustainable and healthy way:

Track Your Food Intake. Be more mindful about what and how much you’re eating by tracking your intake into a food tracking app daily. This will help you to stay accountable and maybe you’ll find that you’re overeating a high-calorie food which is preventing you from seeing results. This shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes of your time each day!

Prep Your Food. Whether you meal prep on Sundays for the week ahead or the night before for the next day, meal prepping will help you to eat healthier. Think about it… you’re probably more likely to go for the chopped salad for lunch versus fast food if you prepared it ahead of time!

Use a Food Scale or Measuring Cups. It’s easy to underestimate how much you’re eating if you aren’t aware of the correct portion sizes. Simply use a food scale or measuring cups to see what the appropriate portions are versus guesstimating. Overtime, this will help you train your eyes and mind to know what the correct portions are so you won’t need to use the food scale or measuring cups anymore!

Prepare a Water Bottle Each Night. I think we’ve all been guilty of just grabbing a coffee and running out the door. Make hydration easier by grabbing your favorite reusable water bottle and filling it up for the next day.

Schedule Your Exercises. Let’s face it… we’re more likely to get a workout done during the week if we plan for it. Keep yourself accountable by scheduling your exercise for the week on your calendar or planner just as you would for any important appointment.

If you implemented these tips for a while and still aren’t seeing any results, it may be time to consult with a Registered Dietitian to help give you individualized nutrition advice.

We hope these tricks for losing the last or first 5 pounds help you achieve your goals. But remember, at the end of the day, don’t let the number on the scale define you; you are SO much more than that!

Maryann Walsh, MFN, RD, CDE
Registered Dietitian/ Consultant