Losing a large amount of weight requires willpower and dedication to a new, healthier lifestyle. While dropping 50 lb. may seem like a daunting task, setting goals and understanding dietary recommendations make dramatic weight loss achievable. Talk to your doctor before beginning a diet plan to determine if it is safe and healthy for you.
Setting Goals
Evaluate your physical fitness to determine appropriate personal goals. In addition to setting your goal weight, create smaller goals to achieve along the way. Think beyond simple weight loss benchmarks, and set goals about nutrition, exercise or lifestyle choices. For example, commit to decreasing soda consumption or eating more fruits and vegetables. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends making goals specific and realistic to keep yourself committed to a healthy lifestyle.
Dietary Needs
Your body sheds pounds when your net caloric intake decreases. The CDC reports that a reduction of 1,000 calories per day results in weight loss of 2 lb. per week. At this rate, you will lose 50 lb. in about six months. Use a calorie calculator such as the one at MayoClinic.com to determine your estimated daily caloric needs. Subtract 1,000 calories through a combination of dietary changes and exercise. An online journal such as My Pyramid Tracker helps you keep track of your food consumption to help you meet this goal.
Meal Planning
Eat a balance of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and lean protein to promote weight loss. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that adults eat six servings of carbohydrates each day. Three servings should come from whole-grain sources such as brown rice, whole-wheat bread, wheat pasta, quinoa or buckwheat. These foods keep your energy levels high throughout the day. Aim to eat three servings each of fruits and vegetables daily. Avoid the saturated fat in many red meats by eating 6 oz. of lean protein from fish, nuts, lean beef, chicken or soy products. Drink three cups of milk each day to boost your calcium levels.
Considerations
Fad diet plans and detoxifying cleanses claim to help your body lose weight fast. According to the American Heart Association, these quick-weight-loss plans cause dieters to rapidly regain the weight they lose. There are no magic diets or "superfoods" that help you lose 50 lb. within a few weeks. Changing your lifestyle to adopt a balanced diet promotes weight loss without risking your health. Combine dietary changes with 30 to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise three or four times per week for best results. Ask your doctor to help you devise a realistic diet and exercise plan that works for you.
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