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The Fastest and Easiest Ways to Lose 15 Pounds

Apr 7, 2011 | By Judy Wilson
The Fastest and Easiest Ways to Lose 15 Pounds
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Losing weight does not have to be a long, difficult process, especially if you just need to lose a relatively small amount, such as 15 pounds. By making some simple changes to your daily routine, reaching your goal can be a smooth process. However, crash diets and fad programs for losing weight can be not just unwise but also unsafe. It is ideal to lose weight at a reasonable rate, such as 2 lbs. per week, and to be under the care of a qualified health professional while you are on a weight loss program.

Diet Subtractions

To make your weight loss efforts quicker and easier, you need to remove certain food ingredients from your diet. These include fast food, junk food, soft drinks, sugars and processed foods. Also, you should decrease the total number of calories you consume per day. You can do this by putting smaller portions of food on your plate at every meal, but do not skip meals. When eating at restaurants, set aside half of the portion you receive to take home in a to-go box, because restaurants tend to provide large portions.

Diet Additions

As you subtract foods that can foil your weight loss from your eating plan, you should simultaneously add healthy foods that can support your weight loss efforts. Low-glycemic, low-starch vegetables can be great allies, and these include mixed green salads, steamed dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and chard, broccoli and green beans. Rather than using fattening condiments and sauces, opt for olive oil and flax oil. Other additions include quality protein, such as wild fish, free-range poultry and grass-fed meat.

Drinking Water

Another healthy addition to your daily routine on your road to weight loss involves water, as drinking enough spring or filtered water and staying hydrated can accelerate your weight loss efforts. At minimum, drink ½ oz. of water each day per every pound that you weigh. For example, if you weigh 180 lbs., drink 90 oz. of water per day. Increase this amount if you live in a dry climate or are sweating a great deal, such as during exercise. Increasing this amount even more can also further boost your weight-loss efforts. For a refreshing twist, squeeze fresh lemon and lime slices into your water.

Exercise

It goes without saying that exercise is a critical part of any weight loss program. To lose weight quickly and relatively easily, you need to move frequently and avoid sedentary habits, such as sitting at a desk or on the sofa most of the time. Increased exercise frequency and duration will speed up your 15-pound weight loss, so ideally exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. The more calories you burn by engaging in more strenuous exercise, the quicker your weight loss will tend to be. Brisk walking while swinging your arms can be an easy, safe and convenient way to lose weight. Also, incorporate strength training, such as lifting hand weights or using resistance bands, into your weight loss program.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Apr 7, 2011

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