I Know Crash Diets Aren't the answer... but

[Guest]

I know crash diets aren't the answer, and you usually end up putting it back on, but I'm looking to lost between 10-15 pounds for a certain occasion, and wanted to know if anyone had tried anything lately.

 

10-15 is a big goal, but anything would be good. I have about 3 1/2 weeks.

I'm drinking 8-10 glasses of water as I heard that helps, and have increased my gym visits.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions. I'm also trying to target my leg, thighs and tummy.. does anyone know any good exercises that can help with those?

[amaysngrace]

I know crash diets aren't the answer, and you usually end up putting it back on, but I'm looking to lost between 10-15 pounds for a certain occasion, and wanted to know if anyone had tried anything lately.

 

10-15 is a big goal, but anything would be good. I have about 3 1/2 weeks.

I'm drinking 8-10 glasses of water as I heard that helps, and have increased my gym visits.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions. I'm also trying to target my leg, thighs and tummy.. does anyone know any good exercises that can help with those?

 

 

If you want to lose weight, pay attention to your caloric intake. Try and keep it under 1200 calories per day. If you consume a ton of calories regularly like I do, this should take the weight off quickly.

 

Lunges and leg lifts work great and of course the sit up or crunches for your stomach.

 

But I find I can tune it up pretty good if I just turn on my stereo and dance! Much more fun than lunges.

 

You can always ask to speak to a trainer if the gym you belong to has one available.

[westernxer]

10-15 pounds in 3 1/2 weeks may be very unhealthy.

[amaysngrace]

10-15 pounds in 3 1/2 weeks may be very unhealthy.

 

It depends really. 2-3 lb weight loss per week isn't too bad, especially if it's short term.

 

Just remember to take your mulitiple vitamin every day.

 

Consulting your doctor before starting this or any other diet or exercise program is advised.

[Guest]

I know crash diets aren't the answer, and you usually end up putting it back on, but I'm looking to lost between 10-15 pounds for a certain occasion, and wanted to know if anyone had tried anything lately.

 

10-15 is a big goal, but anything would be good. I have about 3 1/2 weeks.

I'm drinking 8-10 glasses of water as I heard that helps, and have increased my gym visits.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions. I'm also trying to target my leg, thighs and tummy.. does anyone know any good exercises that can help with those?

 

Exercise. Lots. There are no exercises that will eliminate fat from specific areas. Do a search on 'exercises calories burned' and choose something to do from the exercises that burn the most calories. If you're not used to exercising, then you'll have to choose a moderate exercise and do it for longer.

[westernxer]

Consulting your doctor before starting this or any other diet or exercise program is advised.

 

That's the first thing that came to my mind.

 

 

*chuckle*

[norajane]

The South Beach or Atkins diets will do what you need them to do for a few weeks. Wouldn't recommend them long term, but they do work.

[gonetildecember]

What's your diet like right now?

[gonetildecember]

I have talked to a doctor, who advised me that it is perfectly fine- as long as i do it in moderation, aren't starving myself and I take my vitamins.. So maybe that can help you out a little

 

as of right now- my diet is that of a university student lol... which is a big problem.. that's why I'm looking for some tips on good eating habits as well, especially little things that sometimes u don't think add up to that much... sugar...etc.

 

My weight fluctuates quite a bit when I'm not playing basketball, but I am back at the gym. With my busy schedule I sometimes have a hard time making it out, so was also wondering about exercises I can do at home without equipment... any ideas?

 

I also attempt to target my thighs, stomach, bum, etc...anyone found any useful info on that?

[amaysngrace]

as of right now- my diet is that of a university student lol... which is a big problem..

 

You can pick up an exercise mat or even use a folded thick comforter and lay on the floor to do a lot of the exercises, ie: leg lifts or crunches.

 

You should get a set of light hand weights to do the lunges. They are great for your bum, as you say, as are the leg lifts. You can also use them to work out your arms and back, if toning there is necessary.

 

As for diet, I'd just pick up a few boxes of broth, and oatmeal is a good thing too. The instant kind. All you need there is hot water. Do you have a microwave oven handy? You can cook fresh veggies in there and also light frozen dinners, if you have a freezer to keep them in.

 

Just mostly pay attention to the calories. Go for minimum. Avoid sugar and sweets altogether. And oh yeah, stay off the beer!

[gonetildecember]

You can pick up an exercise mat or even use a folded thick comforter and lay on the floor to do a lot of the exercises, ie: leg lifts or crunches.

 

You should get a set of light hand weights to do the lunges. They are great for your bum, as you say, as are the leg lifts. You can also use them to work out your arms and back, if toning there is necessary.

 

As for diet, I'd just pick up a few boxes of broth, and oatmeal is a good thing too. The instant kind. All you need there is hot water. Do you have a microwave oven handy? You can cook fresh veggies in there and also light frozen dinners, if you have a freezer to keep them in.

 

Just mostly pay attention to the calories. Go for minimum. Avoid sugar and sweets altogether. And oh yeah, stay off the beer!

 

Thanks amaysngrace.. The beer is fine for me.. i don't drink.. but I'm trying to cut out all the other bad stuff or at least reduce it.. packaged and boxed stuff and sugar are my biggest downfall..

 

Thanks for the at home tips.. can anyone suggest any other at home stuff I can do sans equipment?

[Heavenseventeen]

I know crash diets aren't the answer, and you usually end up putting it back on, but I'm looking to lost between 10-15 pounds for a certain occasion, and wanted to know if anyone had tried anything lately.

 

10-15 is a big goal, but anything would be good. I have about 3 1/2 weeks.

I'm drinking 8-10 glasses of water as I heard that helps, and have increased my gym visits.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions. I'm also trying to target my leg, thighs and tummy.. does anyone know any good exercises that can help with those?

 

If you eat below 1200 calories, your body will assume you're starving and you'll start to GAIN. Trust me. Happens to people all the time.

 

As you said, these diets don't work. What's the point in losing for this occasion, only to put on even more than you lost afterwards? It's silly. You're gonna lose muscle if you do that- not fat, so you'll be skinny fat. That means you'll be a small size but with REALLY saggy skin. Horrible.

 

ALSO, you can't target individual places. If you start losing, your body will take it from where it wants to take it from. You can squat until the cows come home, but the body will take fat from your arms or wherever, maybe your legs.

[amaysngrace]

If you eat below 1200 calories, your body will assume you're starving and you'll start to GAIN. Trust me.

 

 

Actually this is wrong. An intake of a thousand to twelve hundred calories is recommended by most nutrition experts. This prevents the body from going into starvation mode.

 

Of course it depends on the person and their BMI. But I wouldn't go below 1000. Which is why I suggested 1200.

 

Here's a good rule of thumb: to lose a pound per week, cut 500 calories a day. Two pounds, knock off 1000 calories a day. And so forth.

[gonetildecember]

Actually this is wrong. An intake of a thousand to twelve hundred calories is recommended by most nutrition experts. This prevents the body from going into starvation mode.

 

Of course it depends on the person and their BMI. But I wouldn't go below 1000. Which is why I suggested 1200.

 

Here's a good rule of thumb: to lose a pound per week, cut 500 calories a day. Two pounds, knock off 1000 calories a day. And so forth.

 

Thanks amaysngrace... that helps..

[amaysngrace]

Thanks amaysngrace... that helps..

 

You're welcome. Good luck!

[FallenTree]

A crash diet is a bad idea...

 

First of all, losing weight so quickly isn't even fat. It's often water weight, since if you are not eating as many carbohydrates, your body uses up glycogen (stored form of carbs), and with that comes water. (Carbs are stored with water). Also, if you are not eating enough calories from carbs, your body will use protein for energy, since there always needs to be a steady source of glucose for brain and body cells.

 

A weight loss of 1 pound or less per week is ideal. And 3500 Calories equals one pound of fat, so to decrease one pound just subtract 500 Calories per day.

 

http://www.fitday.com is a great way to track your Calories as well as your daily exercise and physical activity.

 

Secondly, if one tries a "diet" of some sort and does not make real lifestyle changes, once the quick weight loss occurs, it may easily come back. The person did not make permanent changes and only did quick changes for a quick goal. Any eating plan should include things that one can live with..forever. Deprivation leads to binging also.

 

And eating too few Calories can make the metabolism slow down, because the body is trying to conserve Calories and fat.