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Top 10 Ways to Lose those Last 10 Pounds

From , former About.com Guide

Updated July 01, 2008

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You've lost all but 10 pounds towards your goal weight and those last few just won't budge. Here are 10 ideas for making them history!

1. Eat Breakfast

Skipping breakfast can stall your metabolism and cause a weight loss plateau.

2. Watch Portions

Eating too much of even healthier foods can stall your weight loss if the increased portions cause your caloric intake to spike. (As you lose weight you need fewer calories.)

3. Choose Whole Grains

Choose whole grains over "white" carbs and you'll regulate your blood sugar and feel fuller longer, both of which will keep your appetite in check.

4. Pump Some Iron

The benefits of strength training continue when you're at rest! Your metabolism stays raised even if you are inactive.

5. Fill Up with Fiber

Fiber helps you stay fuller longer and may even keep blood sugar in check -- two benefits that can help with long-term weight management.

6. Walk Smarter

Make that brisk walk a little more intense and you'll burn more calories and build more muscle.

7. Get Goals in Check

Make sure you really do need to lose those 10 pounds! Re-assess your goals and how far you've come ... maybe you're a-okay where you are.

8. Keep a Food Diary

If you've stopped writing down your food intake ... start again. You may be eating more -- and more often -- than you think.

9. Handle Emotional Eating

Emotional eating could be keeping on those last few pounds -- learn to cope and the pounds just might melt.

10. Don't Take Calories too Low

Cutting calories too low can have an adverse effect. You may actually stop losing weight if you're not eating enough.

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