Ask Pam: Quick, Healthy Weight Loss

I want to lose weight as fast as possible. Right now I’m just eating 2 small meals per day. Any tips?
-Thomas

Losing weight quickly is something many people desire when they start on a weight-loss plan. However, it is important to keep the big picture in mind. Would you rather lose 10 pounds in a week on a fad diet, only to gain it back and possibly more later on?

Or would you rather lose 1-2 pounds a week for good?

Maintaining weight loss is something that many struggle with, but the key lies in being patient with yourself. Choose to focus on making healthy lifestyle changes that will persist long after you reach your goal weight.

The first thing to remember is that there is not a single approach that will work for everyone. You will need to assess where you are and what changes are realistic for you to make right now. For example, if you currently walk 3 times per week for 20 minutes, you may like to try increasing the intensity by incorporating jogging with your walks, or extend the time of your walks. The aim is to make a change that will not be overwhelming and that you can build on over time.

Eating the right number of calories is also crucial. It is common knowledge that if we each TOO much, we will gain weight. However, not eating enough can also be counterproductive. Everyone’s calorie needs will be different according to individual height, weight, age, gender, and activity level.

If your body does not receive enough calories, your metabolism will slow to conserve the energy it is receiving. This also tends to occur if you only eat once or twice a day. Weight loss can become very challenging and any weight loss that occurs is usually water and lean body mass. We do not want you to lose lean body mass. Lean body mass is what increases your body’s ability to burn more calories.

If you are not sure of what your calorie needs are, feel free to take our FREE profile which will offer insight into the right plan for you, as well as your calorie needs for healthy weight loss. You can also speak with one of our Nutrition Support Team representatives for assistance in choosing a meal plan.

Have a diet question for Pam? Email askpam@ediets.com and check back to see if your question is picked! And if you missed a previous column, click here to see the archive.

Make NOW your time to do something about your weight. eDiets can help make weight loss a little easier. Let our nutritionists and fitness pros guide you! Click here for a FREE diet profile.