{"id":13552,"date":"2020-12-18T15:35:08","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T23:35:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/?p=13552"},"modified":"2021-03-02T15:37:36","modified_gmt":"2021-03-02T23:37:36","slug":"how-to-lose-weight-as-fast-as-possible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/how-to-lose-weight-as-fast-as-possible\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Lose Weight Fast: 3 Simple Steps, Based on Science"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If your doctor recommends it, there are ways to lose weight safely. A steady weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week is recommended for the most effective long-term weight management.<\/p>\n<p>That said, many eating plans leave you feeling hungry or unsatisfied. These are major reasons why you might find it hard to stick to a healthier eating plan.<\/p>\n<p>However, not all diets have this effect. Low carb diets and whole food, lower-calorie diets are effective for weight loss and may be easier to stick to than other diets.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some ways to lose weight that employ healthy eating, potentially lower carbs, and that aim to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>reduce your appetite<\/li>\n<li>cause fast weight loss<\/li>\n<li>improve your metabolic health at the same time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"ways-to-lose-weight\" class=\"wp-block-healthline-tabbed-heading\" data-toc-label=\"Ways to lose weight\">1. Cut back on refined carbs<\/h2>\n<p>One way to lose weight quickly is to\u00a0cut back on sugars\u00a0and starches, or carbohydrates. This could be with a low carb eating plan or by reducing refined carbs and replacing them with whole grains.<\/p>\n<p>When you do that, your hunger levels go down, and you generally end up eating fewer calories.<\/p>\n<p>With a low carb eating plan, you\u2019ll utilize burning stored fat for energy instead of carbs.<\/p>\n<p>If you choose to eat more complex carbs like whole grains along with a calorie deficit, you\u2019ll benefit from higher fiber and digest them more slowly. This makes them more filling to keep you satisfied.<\/p>\n<p>A 2020 study confirmed that a very low carbohydrate diet was beneficial for losing weight in older populations.<\/p>\n<p>Research also suggests that a low carb diet can reduce appetite, which may lead to eating fewer calories without thinking about it or feeling hungry.<\/p>\n<p>Note that the long-term effects of a low carb diet are still being researched. It can also be difficult to adhere to a low carb diet, which may lead to yo-yo dieting and less success in maintaining a healthy weight.<\/p>\n<p>There are potential downsides to a low carb diet that may lead you to a different method. Reduced calorie diets can also lead to weight loss and be easier to maintain for longer periods of time.<\/p>\n<p>If you opt for a diet focusing instead on whole grains over refined carbs, a 2019 study correlated high whole grain with lower body mass index (BMI).<\/p>\n<p>To determine the best way for you to lose weight, consult your doctor for recommendations.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-header\">Summary<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-body\">Reducing sugars and starches, or carbs, from your diet can help curb your appetite, lower your insulin levels, and make you lose weight.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-body\">But the long-term effects of a low carb diet are not yet known. A reduced calorie diet could be more sustainable.<\/p>\n<h2>2. Eat protein, fat, and vegetables<\/h2>\n<p>Each one of your meals should include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>a protein source<\/li>\n<li>fat source<\/li>\n<li>vegetables<\/li>\n<li>a small portion of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Protein<\/h3>\n<p>Eating a recommended amount of protein is essential to help preserve your health and muscle mass while losing weight.<\/p>\n<p>Evidence suggests that eating adequate protein may improve cardiometabolic risk factors, appetite, and body weight.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s how to determine how much you need to eat without eating too much. Many factors determine your specific needs, but generally, an average person needs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>56\u201391 grams per day for the average male<\/li>\n<li>46\u201375 grams per day for the average female<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Diets with adequate protein can also help:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>reduce cravings and obsessive thoughts about food by 60%<\/li>\n<li>reduce the desire to snack late at night by half<\/li>\n<li>make you feel full<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In one study, people on a higher protein diet ate 441 fewer calories per day.<\/p>\n<h4>Healthy protein sources include:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>meat:<\/strong>\u00a0beef, chicken, pork, and lamb<\/li>\n<li><strong>fish and seafood:<\/strong>\u00a0salmon, trout, and shrimp<\/li>\n<li><strong>eggs:<\/strong>\u00a0whole eggs with the yolk<\/li>\n<li><strong>plant-based proteins:<\/strong>\u00a0beans, legumes, quinoa, tempeh, and tofu<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Low carb and leafy green vegetables<\/h3>\n<p>Don\u2019t be afraid to load your plate with leafy green vegetables. They\u2019re packed with nutrients, and you can eat very large amounts without greatly increasing calories and carbs.<\/p>\n<h4>Vegetables to include for low carb or low-calorie eating plans:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>broccoli<\/li>\n<li>cauliflower<\/li>\n<li>spinach<\/li>\n<li>tomatoes<\/li>\n<li>kale<\/li>\n<li>Brussels sprouts<\/li>\n<li>cabbage<\/li>\n<li>Swiss chard<\/li>\n<li>lettuce<\/li>\n<li>cucumber<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Healthy fats<\/h3>\n<p>Don\u2019t be afraid of eating fats.<\/p>\n<p>Your body still requires healthy fats no matter what eating plan you choose. Olive oil and avocado oil are great choices for including in your eating plan.<\/p>\n<p>Other fats such as butter and coconut oil should be used only in moderation due to their higher saturated fat content.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-header\">Summary<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-body\">Assemble each meal out of a protein source, healthy fat source, complex carb, and vegetables.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-body\">Leafy green vegetables are a great way to bulk up a meal with low calories and lots of nutrients.<\/p>\n<h2>3. Move your body<\/h2>\n<p>Exercise, while not required to lose weight, can help you lose weight more quickly. Lifting weights has particularly good benefits.<\/p>\n<p>By lifting weights, you\u2019ll burn lots of calories and prevent your metabolism from slowing down, which is a common side effect of losing weight.<\/p>\n<p>Try going to the gym three to four times a week to lift weights. If you\u2019re new to the gym, ask a trainer for some advice. Make sure your doctor is also aware of any new exercise plans.<\/p>\n<p>If lifting weights is not an option for you, doing some cardio workouts such as walking, jogging, running, cycling, or swimming is very beneficial for weight loss and general health.<\/p>\n<p>Both\u00a0cardio and weightlifting can help with weight loss.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-header\">Summary<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-body\">Resistance training, such as weightlifting, is a great option for losing weight. If that\u2019s not possible, cardio workouts are also effective.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-body\">Choose what\u2019s sustainable for you.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"calories-portions\" class=\"wp-block-healthline-tabbed-heading\" data-toc-label=\"Calories &amp; portions\">What about calories and portion control?<\/h2>\n<p>If you opt for a low carb eating plan, it\u2019s not necessary to count calories as long as you keep your carb intake very low and stick to protein, fat, and low carb vegetables.<\/p>\n<p>If you find yourself not losing weight, you may want to keep track of your calories to see if that\u2019s a contributing factor.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re sticking to a calorie deficit to lose weight, you can use an online calorie calculator where you will\u00a0enter your sex, weight, height, and activity levels. The calculator will tell you how many calories to eat per day to maintain your weight, lose weight, or lose weight fast.<\/p>\n<p>Note that eating too few calories can be dangerous and less effective for losing weight. Aim to reduce your calories by a sustainable and healthy amount based on your doctor\u2019s recommendation.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-header\">Summary<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-body\">Counting calories isn\u2019t usually needed to lose weight on a low carb eating plan. But if you\u2019re not losing weight or on a reduced-calorie eating plan, calorie counting may help.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tips\" class=\"wp-block-healthline-tabbed-heading\" data-toc-label=\"Tips\">9 weight loss tips<\/h2>\n<p>Here are 9 more tips to lose weight faster:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Eat a high protein breakfast.<\/strong> Eating a high protein breakfast could help reduce cravings and calorie intake throughout the day.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoid sugary drinks and fruit juice.<\/strong> Empty calories from sugar aren\u2019t useful to your body and can hinder weight loss.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Drink water before meals.<\/strong> One study showed that drinking water before meals reduced calorie intake and may be effective in weight management.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Choose weight-loss-friendly foods.<\/strong> Some foods are better for weight loss than others.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eat soluble fiber.<\/strong> Studies show that soluble fibers may promote weight loss. Fiber supplements can also help.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Drink coffee or tea.<\/strong> Caffeine consumption can boost your metabolism.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Base your diet on whole foods.\u00a0<\/strong>They\u2019re healthier, more filling, and much less likely to cause overeating than processed foods.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eat slowly.<\/strong> Eating quickly can lead to weight gain over time, while\u00a0eating slowly\u00a0makes you feel more full and boosts weight-reducing hormones.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Get good quality sleep.<\/strong> Sleep is important for many reasons, and poor sleep is one of the biggest risk factors for weight gain.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-header\">Summary<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-body\">Eating whole foods, higher protein, soluble fiber, and less sugar can help you lose more weight. Don\u2019t forget to get a good night\u2019s sleep, too.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"meal-ideas\" class=\"wp-block-healthline-tabbed-heading\" data-toc-label=\"Meal ideas\">Sample meal ideas for fast weight loss<\/h2>\n<p>These sample meal plans are low carb, which limits carbs to 20\u201350 carbs per day. Each meal should have protein, healthy fats, and veggies.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019d prefer to lose weight while still eating complex carbs, add in some healthy whole grains such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>quinoa<\/li>\n<li>whole oats<\/li>\n<li>whole wheat<\/li>\n<li>bran<\/li>\n<li>rye<\/li>\n<li>barley<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Breakfast ideas<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>poached egg with sliced avocado and a side of berries<\/li>\n<li>spinach, mushroom, and feta crustless quiche<\/li>\n<li>green smoothie with spinach, avocado, and nut milk and a side of cottage cheese<\/li>\n<li>unsweetened Greek yogurt with berries and almonds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Lunch ideas<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>smoked salmon with avocado and a side of asparagus<\/li>\n<li>lettuce wrap with grilled chicken, black beans, red pepper, and salsa<\/li>\n<li>kale and spinach salad with grilled tofu, chickpeas, and guacamole<\/li>\n<li>BLT wrap with celery sticks and peanut butter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Dinner ideas<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>enchilada salad with chicken, peppers, mango, avocado, and spices<\/li>\n<li>ground turkey bake with mushrooms, onions, peppers, and cheese<\/li>\n<li>antipasto salad with white beans, asparagus, cucumbers, olive oil, and Parmesan<\/li>\n<li>roasted cauliflower with tempeh, Brussels sprouts, and pine nuts<\/li>\n<li>salmon baked with ginger, sesame oil, and roasted zucchini<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Snack ideas<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>cauliflower hummus and veggies<\/li>\n<li>healthy homemade trail mix with nuts and dried fruit<\/li>\n<li>kale chips<\/li>\n<li>cottage cheese with cinnamon and flaxseeds<\/li>\n<li>spicy roasted chickpeas<\/li>\n<li>roasted pumpkin seeds<\/li>\n<li>tuna pouches<\/li>\n<li>steamed edamame<\/li>\n<li>strawberries and brie<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-fast-to-lose\" class=\"wp-block-healthline-tabbed-heading\" data-toc-label=\"How fast to lose\">How fast will you lose weight?<\/h2>\n<p>You may lose 5\u201310 pounds (2.3\u20134.5 kg) of weight \u2014 sometimes more \u2014 in the first week of a diet plan and then lose weight consistently after that. The first week is usually a loss of both body fat and water weight.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re new to dieting, weight loss may happen more quickly. The more weight you have to lose, the faster you\u2019ll lose it.<\/p>\n<p>Unless your doctor suggests otherwise, losing 1\u20132 pounds per week is usually a safe amount. If you\u2019re trying to lose weight faster than that, speak to your doctor about a safe level of calorie reduction.<\/p>\n<p>Aside from weight loss, a low carb diet can improve your health in a few ways, though the long-term effects are not yet known:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>blood sugar levels tend to significantly decrease on low carb diets<\/li>\n<li>triglycerides tend to go down<\/li>\n<li>LDL (bad) cholesterol goes down<\/li>\n<li>blood pressure improves significantly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Other diet types that reduce calories and increase whole foods are also associated with improved metabolic markers and slower aging. Ultimately, you may find a more balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates is more sustainable.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-header\">Summary<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-body\">Significant weight can be lost on a low carb or low-calorie diet, but the speed depends on the individual.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-healthline-quote-body\">General weight loss can improve certain markers of health, such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line\" class=\"wp-block-healthline-tabbed-heading\" data-toc-label=\"Bottom line\">The bottom line<\/h2>\n<p>By reducing carbs or replacing refined carbs with complex carbs, you\u2019ll likely experience reduced appetite and hunger. This removes the main reasons it\u2019s often difficult to maintain a weight loss plan.<\/p>\n<p>With a sustainable low carb or lower-calorie eating plan, you can eat healthy food until you\u2019re full and still lose a significant amount of fat.<\/p>\n<p>The initial drop in water weight can lead to a drop in the scales within a few days. Fat loss takes longer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your doctor recommends it, there are ways to lose weight safely. A steady weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week is recommended for the most effective long-term weight management. That said, many eating plans leave you feeling hungry or unsatisfied. These are major reasons why you might find it hard to stick [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[408,461,455],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","acf":{"post_type":"post","post_subtitle":"","header":"","footer":"5 minute read","card_title":"Read: How to lose weight in 3 simple steps","mobile_content":{"mobile_story_label":"","mobile_post_title":"","mobile_carousel_image":"","mobile_hero_image":"","mobile_content_body":""},"post_hero_image":{"ID":13772,"id":13772,"title":"How_to_Lose_Weight_Fast-3_Simple_Steps_Based_on_Science","filename":"How_to_Lose_Weight_Fast-3_Simple_Steps_Based_on_Science.jpg","filesize":33631,"url":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How_to_Lose_Weight_Fast-3_Simple_Steps_Based_on_Science.jpg","link":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/how-to-lose-weight-as-fast-as-possible\/how_to_lose_weight_fast-3_simple_steps_based_on_science\/","alt":"Woman doing exercise to lose weight","author":"31","description":"","caption":"","name":"how_to_lose_weight_fast-3_simple_steps_based_on_science","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":13552,"date":"2021-01-07 19:01:01","modified":"2021-01-07 19:01:09","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":961,"height":400,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How_to_Lose_Weight_Fast-3_Simple_Steps_Based_on_Science.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":62,"medium":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How_to_Lose_Weight_Fast-3_Simple_Steps_Based_on_Science.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":125,"medium_large":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How_to_Lose_Weight_Fast-3_Simple_Steps_Based_on_Science.jpg","medium_large-width":640,"medium_large-height":266,"large":"https:\/\/d3toagd7ypryjs.cloudfront.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How_to_Lose_Weight_Fast-3_Simple_Steps_Based_on_Science.jpg","large-width":640,"large-height":266,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How_to_Lose_Weight_Fast-3_Simple_Steps_Based_on_Science.jpg","1536x1536-width":961,"1536x1536-height":400,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/How_to_Lose_Weight_Fast-3_Simple_Steps_Based_on_Science.jpg","2048x2048-width":961,"2048x2048-height":400}},"post_cta_status":"false","post_conclusion_status":"false","post_co_branding_status":"false"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13552"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13552"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13552\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13552"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13552"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.castlighthealth.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13552"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}