Is it realistic to try and lose between 10-15 pounds in the next 7-8 weeks, and how to go about doing so?

Question

Would it be possible for me to lose up to 15 pounds in the next 7-8 weeks? I am 5"7 and 156 pounds. What do I need to do lose the weight? It is important to me and I'm willing to take the necessary steps to do so. Any help is appreciated.

Also, how much exercise should I be doing and for how long?

Answer 1

Start with a plan to raise your metabolism. This will sound counterproductive, but it is better to eat five 'half-sized' balanced meals than three full sized meals. 20 to 25 minutes of exercise that elevates both your heart rate and respiration rate daily (once at the beginning of your day, and once about 10 to 12 hours later) combined with a balanced, sensible diet of small portions of meat, fruits and vegetables, and don't forget to keep eating at least small portions of complex carbs. A half of a small baked potato or a small portion of rice or pasta will fill this requirement.

Have the first 'half-sized' meal after your early workout. Cool down at least fve minutes before eating, and consider this a good time to address your body's need for water by drinking a glass of water. For your breakfast, try to avoid he really high fat, high calorie foods, and consider a half of a grapefruit with one medium sized boiled egg and a small bowl of oatmeal (a single packet of Quaker Instant oatmeal is good for this) with a glass of 8 oz or so. of skim milk or soy milk. If you find the half of a grapefruit to be a hassle, consider drinking a glass of grapefruit juice. You can vary the grapefruit with tomato and/or tomato juice, and the oatmeal with Cheerios, and you can skip the egg if you prefer.

Four more times through the day, on 2.5 to 3 hour intervals, try to eat another half-sized meal that is balanced and be sure to get your green veggies into your diet through the day. Avoid the high fat, high calorie foods, and remember to eat only half-portions through the day.

Your second exercise period of the day will re-elevate your metabolism and keep your body burning more energy. As you continue to eat a greater number of smaller meals, eating in this manner will also boost your metabolism through the day.

With this effort, if you stick to the diet and exercise program you may lose even more than 15 pounds in 7 weeks. Two pounds a week is a very reasonable goal.

Good luck!

Answer 2

That would be very simple if you choose the correct foods -- I lost 40 pounds in 2 months by choosing the correct foods -- I don't exercise at all -- and don't worry about it being unhealthy -- that's a myth -- as long as you're not losing muscle, you're fine -- On a regular diet you would lose about 7-8 pounds of water (depending on your body type) -- and then you'd stop losing wieght -- that's because the NORMAL diet is WRONG -- Carbs need to be burned first because they take the place as the major energy sorce -- but they're very unhealthy -- Eat more fat and you will lose weight like crazy -- That's my challenge to you -- no more than 20 Grams of Carbs a day -- No Vegetable Oil -- No Microwaves -- about 30% protein -- 70% Fat including Omega 3 fish oil -- Take at least a Multi Vitamin/Mineral supplement to further enhance the absorbtion of Amino Acids from protein -- and the conversion into other amino acids -- - - - -

Study lions and their diets --

Answer 3

Yup, that is a very realistic goal. A healthy diet and exercise is the only way to do it. This means eating more fresh produce, eating whole grain breads and pastas, and getting protein from leaner sources (like skim milk, light yogurt, egg whites, soy products, and lean cuts of meat- meaning nothing fried). Oh, and of course, lots of water!!

A trick? Often we think we are hungry when we are really thirsty. If you are not sure, try drinking a large glass of water first. This is a GREAT way to avoid overeating.

Exercise is equally important, and to work, it needs to be an exercise you enjoy. Working out should be enjoyable, not torture! Find an activity that you love and do it most days of the week. It takes some experimentation at first, but its worth it!!

For more great tips, heres my favorite website:
www.webmd.com

That website helped me lose 20 pounds. I use it every day for motivation!

Something else that is very very important: DO NOT EXPECT TO BE PERFECT!!!! You will mess up sometimes, especially in the beginning, but its very important to not let it get to you and get back on track.

Answer 4

That is a very achievable goal if you have that much to lose. If you already very skinny then no....

But 1 to 2 lbs a week is a great goal to set for yourself if your a little above weight.

Workout 6 days a week. Alternating like this.

Upper body weights.
Cardio.
Lower body weights.
Cardio.
Upper Body weights.
Cardio.
Day Off

Thats week 1. Now you just switch the weight training days around.

Lower body weights.
Cardio.
Upper body weights.
Cardio.
Lower Body weights.
Cardio.
Day Off

Now start over from week 1.

You'll need to follow a low fat low carb high protien diet 6 days a week, and on the 7th day eat anything and everything you want.

This is the body for life method. I used it for 12 weeks and lost over 30 lbs. All the information you need to do it is free online at www.bodyforlife.com

You don't have to buy anthing for it to work, it's just a pretty hardcore system.

Answer 5

Yes, a 10-15 lb weight loss goal in 7-8 weeks is realistic.

Start by cutting your current daily calorie intake by about 500 cals/day. For example, if you are currently consuming 2500 cals/day, slide down to about 2000/day. Do not go lower than 1000-1500, however, as this will backfire. This should net you a 1-lb / week weight loss on its own.

Add in 3-4 days / week of aerobic exercise. Add 2 more days of strength training. If you burn an additional 500 cals/day with exercise, that will be another 1 lb/ week loss (totally 2 lbs/week loss when coupled with the calorie reduction).

Best of luck achieving your goal. Set your plan and stick to it, and you are sure to succeed.

Answer 6

Sorry for the repetition but diet&exercise are the keys to effective weight control.
Diet - 3 meals/day with concentration on whole grains, veggies and lean meats.
Exercise - 20-30min/day at least 4 days/week, 5 is better. Emphasis on cardio w/ some resistance training.
Your goal is 2-3lbs/week to be healthy and get the nutrients you need.
Good luck!

Answer 7

Avoid all fast food. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Cut out most of your sweets. Cut back on your bread. If you don't already have an exercise routine, then start out small. Start out walking for 10-20 minutes each day, in the evening after your last meal. Don't have anything to eat after your exercise. Stop drinking Soda. Drink plenty of water, kool-aid, coffee, tea, anything made with mostly water counts toward your daily amount. You can also cut your meal into portions. Remove half your meal before you start eating. This cuts your calorie intake in half without you having to keep up with what has how many calories.

Answer 8

Yes- very possible. Lots of cardio- Have you ever tried an eliptical? 15-25 minutes a day starting out. Also eat high protein foods and stay away from the bad stuff...sweets, beer, etc. No taco bell, no micky d's, etc. If you do this for a month, you will see drastic improvements. Good luck!

Answer 9

Eat better (it could be as simple as reducing your portions by one third) and do cardio 4 or 5 times a week for at least half an hour. If you are already doing these things, you might have to increase the intensity of your cardio or do it for longer (say 45 minutes or an hour). Good Luck!

Answer 10

there is only 1 safe way to losing real fat. you should only lose 2 lbs at the most a week if you start losing more then your losing more than fat but the most obvious would be diet and excersize but keep eating and don't do any diet plans