When it comes to trying to lose weight, the best way is to choose a fitness program that you know you can commit to for life. But when you really have to shed a significant amount of poundage, say 10 pounds in just seven days, there are ways to make it happen. You will have to be ready for some big sacrifices and some discomfort.

Crash-dieting is never healthy, but if you really insist on doing it, you might as well know how to do so in the safest way possible. This diet plan is not for those with a history of eating disorders as it could send you into a downward spiral instead of recovering. Again, this is not a long-term fix, but it could be just the boost you need to make changes in your lifestyle that are sustainable and permanent.

Experts say that losing 10 pounds in one week is possible, but don’t expect the loss to be all about your fat. Much of the weight that will be shed will be water, which is one of the reasons why you’re feeling bloated and sluggish. By getting rid of excess water weight, you help your body regulate itself by lowering insulin levels and getting rid of stored carbohydrates. Normally, the body can store up to 500 grams of carbs only in the form of glycogen, which has the ability to store thrice its size in water. This is one of the reasons why the scale goes up when you load it.

Most dieters looking to see a sudden drop in their weight manage how they eat and limit their consumption to 1,200 calories per day; with some stretching the effort to place a 1,000-calorie-per-day ceiling on their intake. Now, this amount of calories is low and might not be enough to support your daily activities. You can expect to feel a little sluggish and tired (and hungry, of course). This is why this type of diet is not recommended for those with active lifestyles or those with current health issues.

Better yet, be sure to have a health expert informed about what you’re planning to do so he or she can recommend safe interventions.

For some people, though, 1,200 calories are enough to last through the day. Mind over matter, they say. Once you begin the habit of counting your calorie intake, it will become second nature to consume only what your body actually needs and not what you think you want to load it up with.

By training yourself to eat smart, you naturally shy away from foods that bring no value to your daily functioning. By sticking to this mindset, you’ll be surprised to see that losing 10 pounds in one week is very much possible.

With all that said, focus more on lean meats and protein-rich foods and less on the refined carbs. You can eat bread, but be sure it’s whole grain (the grainier the better). Stay away from any type of processed food and keep off the fried products. Also, sweets are a huge no-no. This is what is meant by making a sacrifice to reach your 10-pound weight loss goal. Not giving in to your cravings, even just a small bite, is a huge win when you’re trying to lose weight fast. The numbers on the scale after a week should be good enough motivation for you to keep going.

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Extra body weight is linked to a number of dangerous health consequences. Pixabay