The Key to Losing those Last 5 Pounds

The simple rule standing between you and getting that six pack to show.

If you’re in the 10-15% body fat range you’re already doing a lot right. You train well. You work hard. You’ve got a solid handle on your nutrition. Or you’re just a genetic freakshow, in which case you need not bother reading this post.

Frequently though, it’s the last 5 pounds that are the hardest to lose. You run more, you increase your training intensity, and you lower your calorie intake, but it’s seemingly never enough. No need to worry, as you’re not alone. Most reading this are in the very same place as summer approaches.

So, how do you take your progress to the next level, and drop those stubborn final five pounds? Limit your carbohydrate intake after 4 PM.

This small change may be the only missing piece to your six-pack puzzle. How? Let’s break it down.

Carbs are your body’s primary energy source and are important for muscle and brain function. The earlier you eat them in the day (assuming you’re not completely sedentary all day), the sooner they’re used as fuel and burned off as energy. However, unless you’re working out at night, the carbs you eat in the evening aren’t used for energy, and are instead stored as fat. How do you prevent that from happening? By laying off the bread, rice, and ice cream later in the day.

Obviously if you’re training in the evening you’ll still want to have a post lift shake with carbs for recovery, but aside from that, you’re basically going Atkins after 4pm. Give it a shot and quickly realize why it’s the one secret that can help you drop those final five before summer.