Although losing 5 lbs. sounds like something you should be able to do in a fairly short amount of time, it is still important to go about your weight loss in the healthiest manner possible. Fad diets work fast, but they can be dangerous. Instead, develop a plan that includes eating right and working out regularly; those 5 lbs. will melt off in just a few weeks.
Time Frame
Following a proper diet and exercise program can allow you to lose 5 lbs. in less than three weeks. One pound of body weight is equal to 3,500 calories. If you reduce your caloric intake by 500 each day, along with burning an additional 500 calories through exercise every day, you can lose approximately 2 lbs. per week.
6 Meals Per Day
Eating frequently throughout the day can prevent hunger, which often derails willpower and, thus, a diet plan. When you are starving by mealtime, you have a much greater chance of overeating. By eating every two to four hours, you will remain satiated and be able to make smarter choices when preparing meals and snacks.
High-Volume Meals
Prepare meals that are high in volume yet low in calories by filling up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only will these foods keep you full, due to their high fiber content, but they will also provide you with many of your daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. These nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins, can help your body to function at its optimum performance. Round out your meals with lean proteins and whole-grain carbohydrates.
Snack Smart
It can be the mindless eating between meals that ends up piling the pounds onto your stomach and thighs. The effort you put into preparing healthy meals should extend to the snacks you eat throughout the day. Be prepared and have low-calorie yet high-nutrient foods on hand. Fresh fruit, whole-wheat crackers, low-fat cheese, peanut butter, low-fat yogurt and air-popped popcorn are all satisfying alternatives.
Exercise Program
Develop a regular exercise program to round out your weight-loss plan and help you to lose 5 lbs. easily in less than three weeks. Include both cardiovascular exercise and strength training to burn fat and calories while obtaining lean muscle mass; the latter can help your metabolize to function at peak speeds. Incorporate a number of different activities so that you are having fun while losing the weight, such as step class, boot camp class, running, playing tennis or gathering some friends for a soccer match.
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