Losing 25 lbs. in only three weeks would be considered extreme weight-loss. Such a feat would require a combination of conventional and non-traditional methods. Going strictly by the numbers, you have to burn 87,500 calories to lose 25 lbs., at 3,500 calories burned per pound of weight-loss. In a mere 21 days, it is virtually impossible to burn that many calories. However, this does not take into account excess water weight and muscle tissue, which is readily burned during intense exercise. Combining diet and exercise with fasting and a few handy dietary supplements can bring this goal within your reach.
Step 1
Cut calories by 500 to 750 below your maintenance level. Maintenance caloric intake tells us how many calories you would need to keep your body as it is. Since your goal is drastic weight-loss, you will have to eat far less than this calculation.
Step 2
Perform one to three cardiovascular workouts per day. Each should consist of 30 to 60 minute durations. This is an extreme amount of cardiovascular activity and should not be attempted by someone unacquainted with formal exercise. The sheer amount of calories you need to burn require a large volume of high-intensity cardio, which burns body fat, glycogen (stored carbohydrate) and muscle tissue. Resistance-training can be useful for fat-burning, however it also builds muscle, which is much heavier than fat. Losing 25 lbs. in three weeks will most likely require some muscle loss, so keep resistance-training to a minimum.
Step 3
Eat five to seven small meals throughout the day. It will be very challenging to keep metabolic rate high with such extreme weight-loss. Eating frequently keeps metabolism functioning at a high rate to avoid the body's natural starvation-mode survival tactic. These "meals" can consist of liquid protein to keep calories as low as possible, while still optimizing metabolic function.
Step 4
Purchase a whey protein supplement or liquid amino acid product to provide mid-meal nutrition. Between your three solid food meals, you can add a few tablespoons of liquid amino acids, providing 15 to 20 grams of protein.
Step 5
Select a fat-burner or natural diuretic product to facilitate weight-loss. Diuretics, such as Xpel by MHP or Cuts II from Prolab, can eliminate unwanted water weight. Some individuals may lose up to 10 lbs. of water weight in the first week of diuretic usage. Always consume plenty of water to avoid unhealthy dehydration. A fat-burner combining 200 milligrams of caffeine with 300 milligrams of EGCG, from green tea extract, may accelerate weight-loss two or three fold, according to the "Muscle Nerd" Jeff Anderson.
Step 6
Consider fasting as a way to lose body weight quickly and reach your goal. Self-proclaimed "Life Extension Specialist" Paul C. Bragg often recommends fasts for overweight individuals. To cleanse the body and manage weight, he suggests the use of apple cider vinegar, honey and distilled water for a fast lasting anywhere from one, three or even seven days. Another method is to fast every other day, following a caloric deficit diet for the non-fasting days.
Things You'll Need
- Fat-burner
- Whey protein
- Liquid amino acids
- Cardiovascular exercise equipment
- Apple cider vinegar
- Diuretic product
- Honey
- Distilled water
References
- The Abs Diet; David Zinczenko; Rodale Inc., 2004
- The Fat Burning Bible; Mackie Shilstone; John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2005
- The Miracle of Fasting; Paul C. Bragg; Health Science, 2009
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