Let's get this straight right now. It is not easy to lose weight when you are in your 20s. People who tell you that it's easy to get in shape at that age are not being truthful. While your body is able to handle exercise and metabolize food better than in your 30s or 40s, there is nothing easy about losing weight at any age. It takes effort, a good plan and a serious diet to get the job done.
Step 1
Start a strong cardiovascular workout program. Running, biking, swimming or walking can help you get the job done. If you want to get your heart rate up and improve your metabolism, workout hard for at least 25 minutes during every one of your workouts. If you don't like running, hop on your bike and push yourself hard. If you are up to it, start interval training. Interval training involves a series of sprints to get your heart rate up. This can be done on the running track, on an exercise bike or in the pool. Typically, you will run sprints of 90, 80, 70 and 50 yards back to back. Take a 2-minute break and then repeat the set. Do one more double-set of interval sprints before you leave the track. Do this at least four times per week.
Step 2
Start weight training to cut fat from your body. Lifting weights will help you gain strength and build muscle. However, it will also help you burn and cut fat from your body. Lifting free weights (barbells and dumbbells) is usually the best way to go, but you can only do this if you have a partner to help spot for you. If not, do circuit training. You can work out your shoulders, arms, chest, abs, buttocks, hamstrings and calf muscles on a system like Nautilus. Do this at least four times per week.
Step 3
Take charge of your diet. Stop eating fast foods, junk foods and fried foods. Substitute white-meat chicken and fish for red meat. Make sure you have at least two portions of fresh vegetables and one portion of fresh fruit every day. Stop drinking carbonated and sugared beverages. Don't have more than one desert per week. If you drink beer or wine, limit your intake to one glass of wine or one bottle of beer per week.
Step 4
Stop eating when you are no longer hungry. Don't graze around your kitchen picking up things to eat out of boredom. Eat when you are hungry, but stop when you are full. Eating when you are not hungry will cause you to put on extra pounds.
Step 5
Drink water every single day. You should have about 64 oz. of water every day and more on days when your workouts are heaviest. Water will lubricate your body, and it is excellent for replenishing your muscles, joints and tendons. Not drinking enough water will tax your body and put you at risk for dehydration.
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