Fastest Way to Lose 100 Pounds

Losing weight will never be as easy as gaining it, but armed with the right knowledge and the right attitude, anything is possible. I lost 80 pounds in 2003 using a low-carb diet, so I can testify to this as the fastest way to lose up to 100 pounds. Determination and setting realistic weight-loss goals are the keys to success on your weight-loss journey.

Setting Realistic Goals

When looking for the fastest way to lose 100 pounds, you first have to define "fast." Many people fail because they set unrealistic goals. Most nutritionists agree that you can safely lose only 1 to 2 pounds per week -- and maybe 3 pounds if you have a lot of weight to lose. So a realistic goal might be losing 100 pounds in eight months. This also means that in four months, you will have lost 50 pounds, which is also a great accomplishment.

Cutting Carbohydrates

Now that you know that the weight will not come off overnight and that it will require sustained effort on your part, you are prepared to change your life for the better. To lose 100 pounds fast, you will need to decrease your carbohydrate intake to a level that forces your body to use your stored fat for energy.

In the initial phase of the Atkins Diet, you decrease your carbohydrate intake to no more than 20 grams per day for the first two weeks. The diet's creator, Dr. Robert Atkins, calls this the "induction" phase. It is not abnormal to lose 20 pounds in the first two weeks, but this will be mostly water weight, and weight loss will slow to a normal pace afterward. What carbohydrates you do eat should come from vegetables and whole grains. In the initial phase of the low-carb diet, fruit is to be avoided because of the sugar content. You will also want to rid your home of all "junk" food to avoid temptation.

Losing Pounds

Depending on how overweight you are, it would be easy to consume 200, 300 or more grams of carbs per day. Carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy, and carbs come in two forms -- simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates include sweeteners such as sugar and corn syrup and should be totally avoided while cutting carbs. If you really need sugary-tasting beverages, use a no-calorie artificial sweetener such as Equal or Splenda.

During the first two weeks of your lifestyle change, limit your carb intake to 20 grams a day or less. This means you will have to read nutrition labels carefully. If you eat out a lot, you may have to do some research to get an idea of the carb content of common foods that you eat.

Expect to feel tired and sluggish during the first two or three days of your diet while your body switches from carb-burning mode to fat-burning mode. After that, your energy levels should rise. After the two-week initial phase, you should increase carb intake to 35 to 40 grams per day to avoid losing weight too rapidly, which can be unhealthy. Your carb intake should consist of 100% whole grains, vegetables, and fresh fruit.

Cutting so many foods from your diet doesn't mean starving yourself. The Atkins Diet allows you to satisfy your hunger with high-protein foods, such as beef, chicken and fish and other seafood. However, it is extremely important that you watch the fat content of these foods. Always choose the leanest options. Fat will not slow weight loss on the low-carb diet, but excessive fat can clog arteries and cause other health problems. Choose wisely.