Weight Loss in 2 Weeks

While it is true that the best way to lose weight and keep it off is to lose it slowly, sometimes there are reasons for losing weight quickly. Events such as weddings, beach vacations or reunions can launch a person into a desperate search for a way to lose a few pounds fast. It is possible to lose an entire size in two weeks by restricting calories, carbs and fat and by increasing the amount of calories you burn.

Fast Weight Loss Eating Plan

You will need to eat at least 1,000 calories fewer than you regularly eat. This will account for two pounds of weight loss per week. Keep in mind that it is not a good idea to eat too few calories--if the "1,000 calories to burn 2 pounds" rule means you are eating less than 1,200 calories a day, you need to take in more.

Restrict carbs and fat to help you eat fewer calories and lose any fluid you are retaining. Water weight does count for weight loss, though you should never let yourself get dehydrated!

To keep your metabolism running at its peak performance, try to eat five to six small meals a day.

Foods to Avoid

Stay away from sweets, starches, fatty foods such as meat that is high in fat, butter, mayonnaise, oils and dressings, and salty foods--these can cause you to retain water.

Daily Workouts

To lose the most amount of weight in the shortest amount of time, you should be working out at your target heart rate for an hour at a time. Taking a one-hour brisk walk before breakfast and after dinner is a good way to burn a great amount of fat. The average 150-pound woman burns 300-plus calories an hour during a brisk walk. A one-hour brisk walk or similar cardio exercise done twice a day will then burn 600 extra calories. If you weigh more, you will actually burn more calories.

Extras

If you do not get enough sleep, your metabolism is not working at its best. Be sure to get plenty of sleep every night and if you feel the need and are able to do so, take a short nap during the day.

Drink plenty of water! Water will not only help you feel full, it will flush out the fluids you have been retaining.

Make dairy or other high-calcium foods a part of every meal. If you are deficient in calcium, you will burn fewer calories.

Do crunches and push-ups You can lose one to two inches in a couple of weeks just by tightening and toning those muscles. Try to do two to three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions.

What to Expect

Barring any pre-existing health conditions, you should lose six to 10 pounds by the end of the second week.