Losing the Last 10 Pounds

Unless you are a super motivated individual, you might want to hire a personal trainer to guide you through your weight loss process and help monitor the progress.

Fitness experts say that working out in the gym won't do the trick. In other words, you won't fit into that magical number jean size you've always wanted or minimize a 'problem' area by spending an hour a day on a treadmill. Losing weight and getting a toned body is a process and a proper diet and exercise is the key to getting into that hot little black dress.

Here are ten tips experts offer on how to get there faster.

1. Don't skip your meals and especially breakfast. By jump starting your metabolism, you help your body burn fat faster.

2. Log your food. Nothing makes you more aware of your eating habits. You will surprised how much more you actually consume once you look at your logs.

3. Look through your logs and see where you could make different choices. Just making some small changes can help you shed those last 10 pounds quickly.

4. Eat every 3 hours.

5. By eating small meals 5 - 6 times per day, you'll stabilze your blood sugar, maximize your energy and feel fuller, longer.

6. Eat foods to maximize your metabolism, choose foods high in fiber and low in fat.

7. Eat your carbs early in the day so your body gets a chance to burn them.

8. Make working out a priority.

9. Take a "before" picture of yourself and put it in a visible place. Having that 'before' photo is a huge motivation to stick to your plan.

10. Just do it!

Unless you are a super motivated individual, you will want to hire a personal trainer to guide you through your weight loss process and help monitor the progress. Make sure your trainer creates a nutriton plan that optimizes high quality, natural foods, not pre-packaged or frozen meals.

Having an expert to navigate the diet and exercise landscape can make the difference between baring your shoulders at your high school reunion or not making it, and faking a cold.