Giving yourself two weeks to lose weight is a good step towards shedding some pounds, and maybe establishing healthier habits that you can continue to follow long after the two weeks are over. But how much weight can you expect to shed after following a 2 week weight loss plan?
Check out the information below to get some helpful answers to this question. That way, you can make smarter choices when it comes to hitting your target weight, keeping the weight off, and doing it all in a way that is good for your body.
Don’t Expect to Lose a Lot on a 2 Week Weight Loss Plan
Keep in mind that two weeks is not a long time at all, and these weeks will go by very quickly. Plus, it is also important to keep in mind that, on a 2 week weight loss plan, you should not anticipate losing a whole lot of weight.
Make the most of this short time period by really focusing on what you are eating, as well as how you are staying physically active every day. These steps will help you achieve the best possible results.
How much weight do experts recommend shedding every week?
You might be a little disappointed to learn this, but experts recommend that you try losing only 1 or 2 pounds of excess weight per week. You should do this by following a healthy, low-calorie diet, and by exercising with consistency.
That’s right, just a pound or two! So, if you come across any diet plan, such as a 2 week weight loss plan, that claims it can help you shed a lot more weight in that timeframe, you should be careful, and you should assume that it is not a safe plan to follow.
How can you go about achieving this safe amount of weight loss every week? Well, a pound of fat is equivalent to about 3,500 calories. This means that, if you can eliminate 3,500 calories from your diet every week, you can be well on your way towards losing 1 pound in a week. If you want to lose 2 pounds, you will need to double that to 7,000 calories. On a day-to-day basis, this is anywhere from 500 to 1,000 calories less than you would normally be getting. Makes sense so far? Great!
But, wait, how do you go about getting rid of these calories? Well, use a combination of dieting to consume fewer calories, and exercises to burn more calories than you would if you were sedentary. Simple!
Remember, don’t go to extremes that can do more harm than good. Instead, focus on portion control, on eating lower calorie foods that are high in nutrients (such as vegetables and grains), and on consistently working out.
Why should you only lose 1 to 2 pounds weekly?
Put simply, when you lose too much weight too quickly, you run the risk of various side effects, such as nutritional deficiencies, a loss of muscle mass, and a slowdown of your metabolism.
This is the exact opposite of what you want to happen because, when you are trying to lose weight, you want to be sure that your body is getting all of the nutrition that it needs to remain strong and healthy. Plus, you want to be able to maintain the muscles that can help your body look toned and defined. And, you also want to focus on how to increase metabolism, not slow it down!
Various Factors Determine How Much You Can Do with a 2 Week Weight Loss Plan
According to Men’s Health, there are several factors that will end up playing a role in how much weight you can shed by following a 2 week weight loss plan. So, even though experts state that 1 to 2 pounds per week is what you should aim for, keep in mind that everyone is unique, and different people might end up achieving different results.
For example, the following factors may impact the results you are able to achieve:
- How much you weigh at the start of the 2 week weight loss plan.
- The types of workouts that you do, such as whether you focus more on cardio or resistance training.
- Your sleep habits, and whether or not you are getting enough rest.
- How much protein you get, and whether or not you are getting the right amount without overdoing it.
- How much alcohol you consume, as those beverages you love do contain quite a few calories.
You Can Get Results on a 2 Week Weight Loss Plan!
The bottom line is this: you can certainly get some results when you follow a 2 week weight loss plan, but you need to go into it knowing that you will likely only lose a couple of pounds if you are planning on taking a realistic and healthy, rather than extreme, approach to your weight loss.
Also, always remember that, if you have been experiencing a lot of difficulty with weight loss, it’s best to talk to your doctor. He or she might be able to recommend a 2 week weight loss plan that will help you get on the right track.
Finally, don’t forget that, in order to get and maintain results, you need to eat right daily, stay active, and follow a healthy lifestyle. Over time, you will reach your goals, and you will feel great along the way!
