Lose 20 Pounds in 4 Weeks
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Lose 20 Pounds in 4 Weeks
When you have a special occasion, such as an anniversary, reunion, wedding or other fast approaching event, losing weight quickly might suddenly become one of your top priorities. There are certainly many diet plans and weight loss tips to help you lose weight over time, but when you don’t have time, you’re going to need something that will get the weight off in a hurry. Here is some expert advice that can help you lose 20 pounds in a month.
Set a Realistic Goal
Okay. So you want to lose 20 pounds in a month; do you know what that will require? Is it a realistic goal based on what you’re willing or able to do? You’ve probably heard it before, but losing weight is a numbers game. It’s a scientific reality that you can’t fool or get around. One pound of fat is equivalent to 3,500 calories. If your goal is to lose 20 pounds in 4 weeks, then you need to lose 5 pounds each week. Is this doable? Let’s take a look.
In order to lose 5 pounds in a week, you’ll need a calorie deficit of 3,500 calories (the number of calories in a pound of fat) x 5 (the number of pounds you want to lose in a week). This means, you’ll need to create a calorie deficit of 17,500 calories per week or 2,500 calories per day. That’s more calories than most people consume on a daily basis. Even if you could cut that many calories out of your diet, you’d be existing on so few calories, you’d be at risk for nutritional deficiencies as well as a slower metabolism.
If you are committed to losing 5 pounds a week for 4 weeks, you need to make sure you’re supervised by a doctor and that you take nutritional supplements. Of course, you don’t need your entire caloric deficit to come from your diet; exercise can also burn calories. So, combining a good weight loss exercise program with a low-calorie eating plan will be crucial if you want to lose 20 pounds in 4 weeks.
Moving Forward
If you’re still committed to losing 20 pounds in a month, then it’s important that you devise an eating and exercise plan to help you reach your goals. Most experts don’t recommend that you lose weight this quickly. One of the problems is that it can slow your metabolism; additionally, it usually leads to fast weight gain as soon as you go off your strict eating plan.
Losing weight quickly means you need to take full advantage of the best weight loss foods. Avoid all processed foods as well as anything that contains high fructose corn syrup. You should concentrate on nutritious fruits and vegetables as well as lean protein and healthy fats. You doctor will likely be able to recommend a diet plan. This is especially important if you have any health concerns.
Burning calories through exercise is also important. Consider taking a HIIT class for maximum fat burning benefits. Stay focused on your goal as well as how you’re feeling. If at any time you don’t feel quite right, consult your doctor. Sometimes fast weight loss isn’t in your best interest. Don’t be afraid to take things a little slower. Losing weight is usually better achieved through a change in lifestyle. You’ll not only shed unwanted pounds, but you’ll also acquire healthier habits.
Hi Debbie. I think you’ve given some great advice in this article. Eating at a caloric deficit combined with an increase in exercise will definitely help increase weight loss. My wife and I actually have a wedding to go to next weekend! I wish I had four weeks instead of one week, but I’m going to try to lose a little bloat in this short period of time. I’m specifically going to focus on cutting out bread and increasing my water intake as well.
Hi Kerry,
Cutting carbs and staying hydrated are definitely important for weight loss. Good luck on your journey!