A goal to lose 10 pounds quickly isn't unreasonable and doesn't require the use of a fad or starvation diet. In fact, you can easily lose 10 pounds within two weeks, although much of this weight loss can be attributed to water. Regardless, weight lost, whether water or fat, is still evident on the scale and in clothes that become looser around the waistline. You can lose 10 pounds fast and keep it off by making common-sense changes to your diet and including exercise in your daily regimen.
Step 1
Cut your daily caloric intake by 10 percent. If you aren't certain how many calories you eat on an average day, keep a food diary for a week and calculate the average. Maintain your daily caloric intake, however, at or above 1,300 calories a day if you're female and 1,500 calories if you're male. Although you may be tempted to cut your calories below these numbers to hasten weight loss, you will actually put your body into starvation mode, and it will slow your metabolism to a crawl to conserve calories--and hoard fat.
Step 2
Perform at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity five days a week. According to the Mayo Clinic, aerobic exercise isn't just great for losing weight, but can also improve your immunity, mood and stamina. For an exercise to be considered aerobic, you must maintain your heart at between 70 and 80 percent of its maximum rate. Drink plenty of water and warm up and cool down for 10 minutes before and after your exercise. Aerobic activity also increases your metabolism, helping you burn off calories faster than someone who is sedentary.
Step 3
Drink at least 64 oz. of water every day. According to the University of Maryland, if you aren't drinking enough water, your body will hoard what it has in a survival mode similar to the one described above tied to calories. Making sure you are drinking enough water will actually shed both fat and water weight and will keep your digestive process working properly to get nutrients from the foods you eat and discard waste products. It is also very important to maintain hydration when you're working out because you lose water in sweat. Carry a water bottle with you when you exercise and drink some or all of it to keep your energy levels up and replenish lost fluids.
Step 4
Replace highly processed foods in your home with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Eliminating any food that is high in sugar and fat takes away temptations that you may turn to for a snack or meal. Instead, reach for a piece of fruit, a cup of low-fat yogurt or a small salad when the urge to eat strikes you between meals. You can save as much as 300 to 400 calories per snack by eating something healthy instead of common snack foods such as chips or cookies. This can add up to two or more pounds lost every week.
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