How to Lose Weight (But Not Muscle) Quickly

The best way to lose weight---a combination of a healthy, low-fat diet and regular exercise---is guaranteed to take off the pounds. But it takes time. If you want to lose 5 or 10 pounds quickly in time for that special party or reunion, the following tips may help you meet your goal.

Instructions

Healthy Tips

1

Drink plenty of water. Keeping your body well hydrated will help reduce water retention and will make you feel full. Drink at least eight glasses a day.

2

Say no to alcohol. Alcoholic drinks are full of calories with no benefit. Alcohol also leads to bloating.

3

Get a good night's sleep. Too little sleep can stimulate hormones that increase your appetite.

4

Eat more fiber. Fiber from fresh vegetables and whole grains will help you feel fuller and will keep your bowels moving.

5

Halve your portions. Take your normal-sized serving and then take half off your plate and save it for the next meal.

6

Drop the salt shaker. Reducing your salt intake will help reduce water retention and bloating. Remember to not only watch added salt but also hidden salt in processed and packaged prepared foods.

Calorie Shifting

7

Fool your metabolism by alternating low-calorie foods with calorie-laden meals.

8

Alternate by days---eat low-calorie, natural foods one day followed by a day of eating high-calorie foods---or by meal.

9

Eat five to six smaller meals spaced 2 to 3 hours apart rather than three large meals a day.

10

Remember to drink plenty of water, about eight glasses a day.

11

Accelerate your metabolism rate using this strategy, and it may help you to lose up to 7 pounds in a week.

Fads and Clinics

12

Lose weight quickly with any one of a multitude of fad diets that typically allow only one type of food.

13

Limit fad dieting to three to seven days. Eating such a restrictive diet is difficult to sustain and may cause nutritional deficiencies.

14

Learn healthy eating habits at a weight loss clinic by eating nutritionally balanced food. Clinics provide an intense, supervised environment focused on weight loss through behavior modification.

Exercise

15

Add exercise to your daily schedule. Exercise doesn't have to involve a trip to the gym. Park farther away from entrances, take a walk at lunchtime, stretch while watching your favorite television show---be creative!

16

Exercise burns calories, energizes you, and tones your body.

17

Exercise is an important element of any weight loss regimen.