If you struggle with weight gain, shedding pounds is a good idea. Overweight and obesity issues increase your risk for health issues, such as coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke and hypertension, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Making lifestyle changes, such as engaging in high-intensity activity and eating healthier foods will help you accomplish your goals.
Step 1
Set weight loss goals for yourself. If you want to lose weight fast, it helps to have goals. The fastest weight loss recommended is 2 lbs. weekly, according to MedlinePlus. Accomplish a 2 lb. weekly weight loss by burning 1,000 calories daily. This requirement doesn't need to involve only exercise. Combine exercise and a reduced calorie diet for fast weight loss. For example, eat 400 fewer calories daily and workout to burn 600 calories.
Step 2
Plan out effective cardio exercise routines to lose weight. Intense activities, such as running, jogging and jumping rope burn more calories than moderate activities, like walking. However, if you're just starting out, running for 30 minutes might be difficult. Improve your strength and calorie burning with an interval training approach. This approach uses moderate activity, like walking and intense activity, such as jogging. You alternate a few minutes of each activity for your entire workout.
Step 3
Eat special fat loss foods. Eat foods that promote faster weight loss. For example, dieters who eat yogurt lose more weight, according to "Fitness" magazine. Aim to consume one to three cups daily. Also eat salmon twice weekly. This food is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to improved metabolism, according to "Fitness" magazine. Berries are another good option, improving blood flow to your muscles. This improves your workouts and promotes faster weight loss.
Step 4
Avoid fad diets. If you want to shed pounds quickly, a fad diet is an attractive approach. Using a fad diet, however, is a mistake, according to the American Dietetic Association. Avoid diet plans that claim to cause rapid weight loss or severely limit your food intake and calories. No need to exercise is another red flag. For healthy long-term weight loss, you need regular exercise.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't drop below 1,200 daily calories for women and 1,500 daily calories for men. Dropping below these calorie guidelines might cause health issues.
- Discuss a potential weight loss program with your doctor to ensure effectiveness and safety.
References
- American Dietetic Association; Staying Away from Fad Diets
- "Fitness" magazine; The 10 Best Foods for Flat Abs
- MayoClinic.com; Interval training; Can it boost your calorie burning power; February 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Exercise for Weight Loss; December 2009
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Statistics Related to Overweight and Obesity; February 2010
- MedlinePlus; Tips for Losing Weight; October 2009



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