Your Metabolism Is Changing
You're Being Less Careful
Over time, weight-loss plans can get a little boring. And if they've been remotely successful, dieters get a little cocky with the results. These two things together might be why the last 10 pounds are so hard to get rid of, as you become a little less rigid. To get rid of the last 10, revisit your plan and recommit.
Food Is More Delicious
Hormones shift as you lose weight and this can affect many aspects of life, including how you taste things. A Stanford University study found that after losing weight, subjects became more sensitive tasters compared with their normal weight control group. This can make moderation even more of a challenge.
Your Window for Eating Is Too Wide
Nutritionists recommend a 12-hour eating window (or less) to maintain a healthy metabolism and encourage weight loss. So if you eat breakfast at 7 a.m., make sure you stop eating by 7 p.m., even with healthy, low-calorie snacks. Your body needs a chance to go into fasting mode for the night.
Your Commute Is Too Long
A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that people who commuted more than 15 miles to work didn't get the recommended amount of exercise and were more likely to be obese.
Overweight Friends
Not pointing fingers, but it's possible that your friends are keeping you from getting rid of the last 10 pounds. Find supportive partners in your efforts, and be mindful of your habits when hanging out with old friends whose goals or lifestyle aren't what you envision for yourself.
You're Eating Too Much Salt
Overdoing it on sodium causes bloating and water retention. But it also causes weight gain, according to a study, by increasing cravings for fatty foods. Cutting back on salt doesn't mean food has to be bland. It just means you need to be careful when seasoning and avoid packaged foods, which tend to contain higher amounts of sodium.
