7 Ways to Lose Those Last 5 Pounds before Your Big Day ...

1. Cut out Salt

One thing that you can do to help you lose those last 5 pounds is to try cutting out salt. Salt makes you retain fluids. If you are a big salty foods junkie, this can absolutely affect you and your weight. A lot of times we don’t realize how much our salty treats are making us bloat. It can be as simple as choosing lower sodium snacks and giving up your addiction to the salt shaker.

2. Drink More Water

Another thing that can help your body to rid itself of excess fluids is to drink more water. It may sound like this would be counterproductive but it really does work. When your body isn’t getting enough fluids, it will tend to hold on to what it does get. Make it your goal to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. You actually need more than that when you are exercising or spending time in the outdoor heat.

3. Cut down on Carbs

Carbs are important and you do need them. But having too many of the wrong carbs can make your waistline expand. Aim for healthy, complex carbs, such as those made from whole grains. If you are indulging in a lot of unhealthy carbs like white bread or cupcakes and donuts, cut those down or out completely. This can help those last 5 pounds to just melt away.

4. Don’t Eat after Dinner

If you can, try not to eat late at night. A lot of times we end up taking in a lot more calories than we realize when we munch while watching TV in the evenings. Try to steer clear of the kitchen after dinner. If you are really truly hungry, aim for a light snack, such as a cup of yogurt or a bowl of popcorn without butter. This can cut your daily food intake way down.

5. Exercise

Exercising is a great way to burn calories. Maybe you are like me and don’t love to exercise. If that is the case, don’t worry. There are many exercises out there so there is something for everyone. I personally enjoy a good daily walk. There are also dance classes, yoga and many other options.

6. Count Calories

Have you ever counted your calories? A lot of times we think we aren’t actually eating that much, only to find out that we really are when we take the time to count. Counting calories can give you an accurate picture of what you are consuming each day. You can do this the old fashioned way with a pen and paper, or try a handy app like My Fitness Pal. Set a realistic goal of calories to aim for each day. Most doctors recommend that you not go under 1,200 calories a day.

7. Switch Your Condiments

Condiments can really stack up calories if you are not careful. Pay attention to what condiments you are consuming. Try swapping out for lower cal options. Usually this means swapping out mustard for mayo and low fat cheese for full fat cheese. These little changes can really make a difference.

There is no doubt that losing those last 5 pounds is difficult. Do you have a success story about how you lost those last 5 pounds? I would love to hear all about it!