By: LMS
Wanting to lose some pounds quickly? Fast and safe weight loss can truly be a reality - but you must do it right. Just bear in mind that we're only talking about losing a few pounds here. 5, and possibly 10, within a few weeks. Understand that you cannot lose 20 pounds in a couple of weeks - no matter what anyone tells you, it isn't safe to lose 20 lbs. of fat in 2 weeks. It's just not scientifically, or medically possible. Plus, long-term weight loss success usually only occurs after many months of slow, steady body fat reduction through an increase of exercise and eating in healthier ways. It's also important to remember to touch base with your family doctor before starting any intense weight loss program.
Now that we have covered the important stuff, there are some proven - "tried and true" - steps you can take to lose a few pounds quickly, without hurting yourself. And the truth is that these particular fast weight loss tips will most likely improve your health. Sound good? Then here you go...
1. Eat a lot of food - Can you believe I said that? Well, you read that right, eat a lot! The metabolistic process of eating and digesting food requires a quite a bit of energy (calories) and significantly boosts your metabolism, especially when you eat small portions every 2 or 3 hours. The key is to eat the proper foods... and eliminate the wrong foods, at least while you're on your fast weight loss program. The "right foods" include things like:
- lean proteins (particularly low-fat chicken and turkey)
- fresh, uncooked vegetables (especially dark greens)
- beans and legumes (cooked without added fat, such as meats)
- salt free, oil-free nuts and seeds
- small amounts of flax seed oil and olive oil.
- lots of pure water, distilled or Reverse Osmosis (not a real "food" but extremely important)
The "wrong foods" - what you should definitely avoid while you're trying to lose weight quickly - is pretty much everything else, but especially:
- foods and beverages with sugar
- white flour
- breads, pastas, cereals, etc.
- white rice
- potatoes
2. Avoid cravings - The most difficult part of any weight loss program is dealing with food cravings. When you stop eating the high-fat, high-sugar, high-calorie foods you're used to eating, your body rebels. Your brain tries to force you to go back to eating those unhealthy foods. But there are ways to deal with this natural response. One of the best strategies is to use distraction. Basically, whenever you feel a food craving coming on you get up and do something that takes your mind off of eating. Get out and do some exercise. Read a good book. Listen to your favorite music (fast-paced, heart-pumping music is often the best for this). Talk on the phone with a friend. Play a video game. Just do whatever it takes to distract your brain. After awhile your cravings should lessen.
3. Increase your cardio exercise - If you're already exercising on a regular basis, do more cardiovascular training to burn more fat. You don't have to do A LOT more, just enough to burn a few hundred more calories per day. Combined with your healthy fast weight loss diet it should be enough to drop a few pounds quickly. If you don't exercise regularly, you should ask your physician to recommend an easy "beginner's" exercise program that includes walking and/or light jogging. Also, try to do activities you enjoy. If you don't like running on a treadmill, don't try to force yourself to do it. Instead, go hiking, ride a bike, play some basketball/tennis/soccer/etc. Just make sure it's something you enjoy... and you'll keep doing it until your waist is a little smaller and your several pounds lighter!
