How to Shed Pounds in One Week

Losing weight in a short period is not easy, but that’s not to say that it is impossible. With proper discipline and some adjustments on your diet and exercise routine, a slimmer and healthier body can be achieved in just one week. Let’s chew, err look, deeper.

Eat Healthily

Start by choosing meals that contain more of the good stuff – vegetables, unsaturated fats, and healthy protein. They come from an abundance of sources, so you don’t have to feel restricted. Most of them even taste better than unhealthy alternatives. White meat like chicken and fish are good sources of healthy protein, as well as soy products, shrimp and lobster. Unsaturated fat can be derived from avocado, nuts, non-animal fats, and oils such as olive oil and coconut oil.

Insurance companies also advise us to cut down on carbs, artificial sugar, and sugary drinks like soda and artificial juices. Stay within the recommended daily intake of carb which is 20-50 grams per day by choosing low-carb food such as broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, lettuce, and cabbage. And while it’s tempting to pop potato chips and french fries during movie nights, consciously reach for carrot sticks instead. Your waistline will thank you for it.

Gulping down eight glasses of plain water will help flush out impurities and will even make your skin glow. But for days when you need a sugar fix, natural sweeteners like honey are now available commercially so you won’t feel deprived.

It may also help to keep a food journal and list down every food you eat so you can guard your calorie and sugar intake. Then come up with a seven-day meal plan, which you should follow and commit to as if you are at risk of bankruptcy if you stray.

Exercise Daily

As you commit to a seven-day meal plan, supplement it with a seven-day exercise plan to boost your metabolism and burn those unwanted body fats that you gained from Thanksgiving dinner. Make realistic goals. Begin with stretching and light cardio warm-up that slowly builds up on intensity depending on your body’s needs. As much as possible, set scheduled daily exercises at the same time every day to establish a pattern that your body will recognize and eventually look for when you go on lazy days.

If your goal is to lose more weight at a faster rate, you can do High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) where you will alternate high-intensity exercises with short intervals of rest to force your body to use its stored fats and sugar and cause your body to burn fats faster than regular exercise. You may also join a sports team or take a fitness class to guide your weight-loss journey.

Whatever activity you choose, make it a point to follow-through and stay on track. Keep in mind that consistency is key.

Adjust Your Lifestyle

A little lifestyle check is necessary too if you want your weight-loss program to succeed. Avoid eating out during the week so you won’t be compelled to munch on sodium and fat-laden restaurant food. Remember that seven-day meal plan you took pains formulating? Stick to it. Bring packed meals if you must. Your financial advisor will agree that this simple tweak will help save you from accidental expenses as well.

To make it more enjoyable, lose weight with a friend or a partner. Having a constant companion to share your small wins makes the journey more motivating. It’s like splitting the amortization for personal loans so the sacrifice feels less daunting. Attend aerobics or Zumba classes together, spot that hottie while hitting the treadmill in a gym, and exchange stories as you cool down after finishing some lapses at the pool.

And finally, maintain your renewed eating and lifestyle habits after the week is over. Cheers to the new you!

Based on Materials from wikiHow
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