Whether because you want to attend an event looking your best, or you find you aren't fitting into your jeans as well as you used to, losing weight quickly can be a concern. The best way to lose weight is slowly with diet and exercise. Losing weight too quickly can cause problems, but with a few modifications you can lose a few pounds safely in five days.
Calories
The key to any weight loss program is expending more calories than you consume. It takes an expenditure of 3,500 calories more than what you consume to lose 1 lb. of fat. According to MayoClinic.com, dropping 500 calories a day will allow you to lose 1 lb. in a seven-day period, even without additional exercise. In order to lose weight this way in five days, you need to eat 700 calories less a day than what you normally consume.
Diet
Eat low-fat foods, as well as foods low in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are important to the body, but if you eat too many the body cannot break them down and stores the excess as fat. Avoid foods high in fat and sugar. Although a long-term diet eating fresh foods, lean proteins and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is important for health, it won't affect weight-loss in such a short period of time. However, it is important to still eat these foods to maintain energy. Eat five to six small meals a day as opposed to two or three larger ones. Spread them out over a three- to four-hour period to help speed up your metabolism.
Exercise
Exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes a day. This will burn calories as well as speed up your metabolism. If you haven't been on an exercise program before, walking is a good way to start. It doesn't burn as many calories, but will still help you lose weight combined with a low-calorie diet. If you are in better condition, aerobic exercises such as running, jogging or swimming are the best exercises to burn fat. Keep your heart rate at 60 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate for optimal fat-burning effects. Your maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age.
Sauna
Sit in a sauna for 20 minutes a day, if one is available. According to Pponline.co.uk, a 2006 study done in Spain showed that sitting in a sauna can help lose 1.8 percent of body weight in men and 1.4 percent in women. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Even though you will gain some weight back when you rehydrate, it is not a complete reversal of the weight you lost.
Water
Drink plenty of water, especially when working out. Drinking plenty of water helps flush your body of toxins and and gives you a feeling of being full, which helps to prevent overeating. It also prevents dehydration when exercising. Drink water throughout the day for best results. Consume water before and after entering a sauna.
Considerations
According to MayoClinic.com, losing 1 to 2 lbs. a week is the best result for a long term weight-loss plan. Losing weight quickly is not the safest or best way to lose weight, but if done correctly you can lose 2-3 lbs. without ill-effect. Consult with a doctor before any weight loss program to make sure you will not experience any problems with a rapid weight loss.
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