It may be a bit of both. Let’s start with, it’s ‘in your head.’ If you have been dieting for a few months, you just may be bored and tired of ‘passing’ up your favorite treats. Your staying power may be waning, especially if have been really strict. Begin to concentrate more on behaviors and less on weight loss, i.e. exercise.

As you struggle with the last few pounds, weight loss is slower and the rewards are few and far between. Stop weighing yourself and grab a pair of pants. On a weekly basis, measure your success by how your slacks fit. For a few weeks, concentrate on changing your exercise program. Bump up your cardio intensity or try a new exercise. And not everything is in your head, the last few pounds ARE tough.

As you begin to get thinner, your calorie requirements are less. You have to alter your calorie intake by your new, lower weight. Change the types of food you are eating. You shouldn’t eat the same foods day in and day out. Surprise your body and try a new diet for a few weeks. If your diet is lower in fat and the carbs are not an issue, try reducing your carbs for a short time. Our bodies are magnificent at adapting to any diet and it will do what it needs to in order to survive and that means maintaining body fat. On a daily basis, your body maintains metabolic efficiency by adapting to what you eat. By eating a varied diet, it will work harder and will burn energy just trying to adapt. Never starve yourself, your body will go into protection mode and your metabolism will slow down. Eat on the brink of hunger and stop when that ‘full’ button is hit. Good luck!