Why is it that the last five pounds is always the hardest to lose? It’s because we are at the narrowest part of the ‘Zone of Acceptable Behavior.’

When we first start trying to lose weight, progress can happen quickly. We drop the first ten pounds fast and motivation is high.

As we move closer to our goals, progress slows. The things that once worked aren’t enough anymore. We may experience feelings of frustration, lose motivation, and other factors start affecting progress and mindset.

Just like an athlete, they start out practicing a few times a week and see progress quickly. In order to make the team, they must work harder, practice more frequently, and have the mindset that they are capable to make the team. Once they make the team, they hope for a scholarship and must work harder, longer, smarter, and with less error and distraction.

Regarding our nutrition and body composition goals, when we are SO CLOSE to hitting our goal, we have to work harder and examine all of the errors and distractions affecting our progress: the loose tracking, poor recovery, untracked treats and bites, insufficient sleep, stress, or alcohol consumption.

We often times get relaxed the closer we get to our goal, but realistically that is when we need to commit to our new ‘Zone of Acceptable Behavior.’

Are you comfortable living five pounds away from your goal and choosing maintenance for a season or do you need to examine your environment and mindset to work harder and more focused to hit your goal?