Ways To Lose 20 Pounds Fast

Few things are as frustrating as being behind schedule on a weight-loss goal. Reunions, vacations and the summer months always seem to catch us off guard and out of shape. If procrastination has left you behind schedule on your weight-loss goal, don't worry. There are still some safe and effective options to help you lose 20 pounds in a hurry.

Hydrate

The Food and Nutrition board recommends women drink 91 oz. of water per day, while men should aim for 125 oz. Most Americans do not drink nearly this amount. Dehydration causes the body to hold excess water under the skin. Drinking a lot of water throughout the day will help the body excrete this excess water, causing almost instant weight loss, sometimes as much as 5 lbs. in a couple of days.

Interval Training

Fast weight loss requires calorie burning, and interval training is an effective way to burn calories quickly. Interval training involves going back and forth between very high- and moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise. Interval training tends to work best on either a stationary bike or running track. Treadmills and elliptical trainers increase the risk of a fall during the sprint phase. Start out with a five-minute warm-up at a moderate pace. Sprint as fast as possible for 30 seconds, and then go back to a moderate pace for one minute. Try to complete five of these intervals back-to-back. Perform this workout at least four times per week, adding an interval each time. Interval training allows you to burn an enormous amount of calories in a short period of time. You'll also experience a boost in metabolism that will last for hours and help you burn extra calories.

Cut Carbohydrates

Reducing your carbohydrate intake is a way to force your body to quickly burn body fat. Under normal circumstances, carbohydrates are your body's preferred source of energy. In absence of carbs, your body must begin to rely on stored body fat as an energy source. Since carbs are stored with water, cutting carbs will also cause a reduction in water weight, giving the illusion of more fat loss. Cutting out foods such as pasta, bread, rice and potatoes may seem like a big sacrifice, but the pounds you'll quickly shed will be worth it.