Why is it so hard to lose those last few kgs?

In my experience I believe those last few are the hardest to lose because your resolve is less strong.

If you’ve been on a weight loss journey for a long time say for example it’s taken you a year to lose 20kg already then those last 3 or 5kg seem less important.  Because let’s face it a year is a long time to be restricting calories and trying to lose weight.  Also having already lost 20kg you should be feeling great! And when you feel great and feel good about yourself the will power and the motivation is less then when you were unhappy and 20kg heavier.

So here are my tips to get over that last hurdle:

1.  Firstly evaluate why or how you came up with the number you are aiming for.  Were you that weight before? Were you happy at that weight? Is it your perfect BMI? Is it really realistic?  So when I was in my teens I didn’t exercise I was skinny but not fit.  I weighed 50kg and was a size 8-10.  Then in my 30’s after the kids and losing weight but exercising I was a size 8-10 and 57-60kg.  My point here is that sometimes that number is not a reflection of where you actually want to be and so truly think about how you came up with that number on the scales.  Now i actually worry less about the scales and look at how i feel  in my clothes.
2. Fight for it! So now you know that this is your number you need to dig in and really fight for it.  Just like you did when you started the journey.  You need to muster all the will power and motivation you have and really really work for it.  If you want it you can have it but because it is harder than it was before you need to really really want it.  Stick to your calorie allowance, push on your workouts and don’t give up!
3. Ask for help.  When it’s hard and things are tough and the motivation is really going ask anyone you can for help.  Your partner to please help you to make sure that your eating is on point and let them know that their help is needed now more than ever.  Acknowledge and give them kudos for helping you get to this point, because lets face it you didn’t lose 20kg with out the people around you also being on board. Thank them and tell them also the finish line is right there and you need them to get to that line.  If you need some extra motivation to exercise, find a friend to go with you on a walk.
4. Change up your exercise routine.  You might be getting bored and used to what you are doing so try to find something else to do.  Exercise comes in so many shapes and forms.  You don’t have to slog it out on a treadmill or at a gym week in week out.  Go for a bush walk somewhere new and different.  Try out an outdoor activity gym.  Do a new group fitness class you’ve been meaning to try.  Anything just change it up and keep moving to stay motivated.
5. Give yourself a time limit and goal based on where you are at in your journey and life.  It’s ok if you want to take your time to lose the weight but quantify that time.  Give yourself 4 weeks or 8 weeks or 12 weeks.  It’s up to you but having an end goal can really help.

I hope this can help you along on your journey.  Well done on getting to where you are at.  Remember that weight loss is a journey over time and sometimes you will take one step back for every two steps forward but as long as you are still moving forward you are doing an awesome job!  Stick with it! It will happen!