| The others are correct, of course, that for a sustained weight loss you must simply take in fewer calories than you burn. I realize you understand that, and that is not what you are asking. So that the info I'm going to offer is not misunderstood, I will repeat: for successful weight loss, you must consume fewer calories than your body burns. And the best and healthiest way to accomplish that is with a balanced, nutritious diet and lots of exercise. Those who lose gradually, as opposed to rapidly, usually are more successful in keeping the pounds off. HOWEVER, what you are asking is, is there any method to drop some pounds quickly. And the answer is yes. By eating foods that are diuretic and slashing calories, you can drop 3-5 pounds in a few days. But be aware that this is water loss, not fat loss, and those pounds will return when you go back to your old way of eating. I have resorted to this a few times when I've had short notice of a big event and want to fit into a nice dress. I have lost up to 5 pounds in a few days. Just make sure you eat healthy foods and take vitamins, and only do this for a short period of time. Eat mostly vegetables and fruits, of course no additions to veggies that add calories, such as cheese or butter. Stay away from potatoes, rice, pasta and starches. Add protein such as tuna or those chicken breast strips that come in packages (I think Oscar Meyer and Tyson make this) in small amounts to salad greens, and top with a little fat-free dressing, no croutons, etc. Best choice of grains, in moderation, would be a small amount of unsweetened oatmeal, and "diet" whole wheat bread. I like Nature's Own lite wheat bread. Make a sandwich with some mustard, cucumbers, tomato slices. Limit dairy products and use only fat-free or low fat (1%). You will get a fair amount of calcium if you are eating lots of fruit and veggies. And take a calcium supplement. Drink plenty of water. Unsweetened tea is also diuretic. Just focus on fruit such as oranges, berries, pineapple or melon, 2 or three servings a day; and veggies such as asparagus, celery, broccoli, summer squash, tomatoes, as much as you want of these. Stay away from anything salty! And of course no junk food or sweets. When limiting calories, it is important that every bite be nutritious. And if you've cut back too much and don't feel well, eat some extra fruit and a slice of lite bread or a few whole wheat crackers, and some protein in the form, again, of tuna or chicken strips. Once again, I'm only advocating this for short-term, a few days, definitely no more than a week. For a successful long-range diet, you'd want to use the above suggestions, but add in more whole grains, low-fat dairy and protein (healthy ones like fish, nuts, and lean cuts of meat) until total calories are in the 1200-1500 range. And exercise! Good luck in finding a way to shed a few in a healthy manner! |
