According to the Mayo Clinic, fast weight loss is rarely a good idea. In general, the changes that cause fast weight loss aren't sustainable long-term. Instead, the Mayo Clinic recommends making permanent changes you can live with. Still, your weight problems might be due to eating too much, so reducing the amount of food you consume can lead to weight loss even if you don't do anything else. While one to two pounds a week is the recommended amount to lose, the Mayo Clinic points out that it's possible to lose weight much faster at the beginning of a weight loss program.
Step 1
Keep food out of sight. According to LiveScience.com, if you don't put food on the table, chances are you won't go looking for it and eat it. According to the website, keeping the serving dishes off the table decreases the chances of your going for seconds. Keep snacks and other high-calorie foods in hard-to-reach places and instead put fruits and vegetables on the counter, where they're easy to see and reach.
Step 2
Eat less of everything. The American Cancer Society recommends not worrying about counting calories and instead focusing on reducing portion sizes. At home, serve yourself a small portion in a bowl rather than snacking from the bag or box. Eat from the kids menu at restaurants or order the smallest size available. Skip the extras, which are often in the form of cheese, sauces or mayo.
Step 3
Drink more. It's not that drinking water can help you lose weight, but the more you drink, the more full you will feel and the less food you will eat. As you reduce your calorie intake, weight loss will follow. Avoid all drinks that contain calories, including juices, sodas and sweetened teas and coffee. Instead, have lots of water, either regular or seltzer.
Step 4
Eat only half of any dish you order at a restaurant. Take the other half home for dinner or next day's lunch. If the portion feels too small, make a salad using lots of green veggies and avoiding creamy sauces and oils. Instead, use herbs and spices to give flavor without adding calories.
Step 5
Chew on sugarless gum. It has few calories and is a good distraction if you tend to eat when you're stressed rather than out of hunger. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times newspaper, chewing gum can even reduce appetite, especially if you chew on the same stick of gum for a long period of time, producing saliva and keeping your mouth busy.
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