11 ways to lose 10 pounds

11 ways to lose 10 pounds

Losing 10 pounds is a very realistic goal over a longer period than 1 week. To lose 10 pounds, a person can follow these steps.

1. Follow a low-calorie diet

Cutting calories is key to weight loss.

The amount of calories burned per day depends on

   age
   body size
   activity level

If someone consumes fewer calories per day than their body uses, they will lose weight.

People should follow a low-calorie diet to create a calorie deficit. This calculator can give an idea of how many calories to eat daily to lose weight.

Most experts recommend that a person should not eat less than 1200 calories per day when trying to lose weight.

2. Avoid junk food

Junk foods are:

    high calorie
    not filling
    lacking nutrients
    high in carbs
    high in salt
    very processed

Examples of junk food include:

    candy
    baked goods
    processed snacks
    most desserts

People should try to eat whole, single ingredient foods to help reduce calorie and carb consumption

3. Add lean protein

Lean protein helps build muscle. Lean protein also helps a person feel fuller after eating. This may mean that people eat fewer calories during a meal and, as a result of feeling fuller, may be able to cut out some unnecessary carbs, which may lead to weight loss.

4. Move more

Taking the stairs and walking during breaks may help to burn calories.

Simply moving around more can help burn calories, and burning more calories can help a person to lose additional weight in a week.

Ways to add more movement to everyday routines include:

    parking further from the door
    taking 5 to 15 minute-long walking breaks
    walking during lunch
    taking the stairs

5. Try high-intensity cardio

High-intensity cardio exercise is effective for losing weight in some people. It is an interval training method where people combine periods of intense exercise with periods of rest.

One studyTrusted Source found that people who did high-intensity cardio three times a week lost a lot of weight over a 15 week period, compared to people who did steady-state exercising. Steady-state exercise is a type of activity where a person maintains roughly the same heart rate and muscle movements throughout the session.

Before beginning any high-intensity cardiovascular exercise, people should check with a doctor. This intense exercise is not appropriate for everyone.

Anyone with the following health problems or lifestyle issues should get medical clearance before attempting any high-intensity exercise:

    high blood pressure
    obesity
    heart disease
    coronary artery disease
    diabetes or pre-diabetes
    cigarette smoking
    abnormal cholesterol levels
    mainly sedentary lifestyle

6. Add weights

Resistance training or lifting weights can help protect the metabolism from the crash that can occur while dieting.

Lifting weights builds muscle. Muscle mass burns more calories than fat cells. The body also uses up more of its carbohydrate stores when doing full body resistance routines.

When someone couples resistance training with aerobic and cardio training, they will burn more calories.

Prolonged exercise of low-intensity to moderate-intensity for over 30 minutes per session will gradually cause the body to stop relying on carbohydrates for fuel and start relying on fat.

This is known as the "fat-burning stage," which will lead to weight loss.

7. Eat fewer carbs

Avoiding carbohydrates, such as bread, may help to aid weight loss.

A low carb diet can help a person to shed several pounds in a short time. Some studies support reducing overall carb intake.

One studyTrusted Source, for example, showed low carb diets could help people with or without diabetes to lose weight.

When starting a low carb diet, some people might see an immediate drop in weight, as well as long-term weight loss.

Carbs cause the body to store excess water; so when a person reduces their carb intake, the amount of stored water decreases, causing weight loss.

Before embarking on a low carb diet, it is essential to get advice from a doctor or dietitian, as this type of diet can cause health risks.

8. Reduce bloating

Bloating occurs when the body holds on to extra water or gas. Removing foods that cause bloating can help reduce weight. This includes foods that are high in sodium, such as canned soup, frozen dinners, and carbonated beverages.

9. Follow a meal plan

Following a meal plan can help people stick to a diet and stay more accountable. There is a wide range of meal plans that a person can try. Start by planning each meal for the week and make sure to stick to the daily goals.

10. Change behavior

Changing behavior patterns and lifestyle habits can be critical in ensuring a successful weight loss plan. Research shows that when people are aware or mindful of what they are eating, their cravings reduce and they are more successful at practicing portion control, which are two significant components to successful weight loss.

11. Seek support

Teaming up with other people who are also looking to lose weight may make individuals more likely to reach their weight loss goals. People can find weight loss support from friends, family, and online communities dedicated to healthful lifestyles. StudiesTrusted Source have shown that simply receiving text message support can promote healthful behavior that can lead to lasting weight loss.