Losing 40 pounds in 6 months? Sounds like quite a challenge, doesn’t it? But, the truth is, this is indeed doable, provided you have a strong will power and an effective diet plan.
At the same time, you need to adopt a cautious approach when you set such a difficult weight loss target. Shedding 40 pounds is no mean feat, and you must stay patient and committed to the goal.
What is the best way to lose as much as 40 pounds in 6 months?
The idea is to shed not more than a couple of pounds every week. If weight loss is too quick, muscle loss can happen. This means tiredness, low immunity, and a propensity to regain the weight you have lost. Instead, you need a proper diet plan limiting your calorie intake without depriving you of essential nutrients. Without that, your body cannot function optimally.
Low-calorie meals: To lose weight steadily, you must cut down on your calorie intake, taking care not to keep your body deprived. So, you need to consume meals that are low in calories but rich in nutrients, such as whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, veggies, and fruits.
Burn more calories: You have to create a calorie deficit in order to lose weight. This means not only consuming fewer calories but also burning more than you ingest. An individual’s calorie intake should be calculated by a professional dietician, taking into account his age, height, weight, physical activity, and gender.
Indulge in healthy breakfasts: Your breakfast must be the most important and nutritious meal of the day; never skip it to lose weight. This may seem like the easiest option but it causes you to overeat during lunch and dinner. Try to consume whole grains and proteins for breakfast that will keep your stomach full for a long time.
Include wholesome ingredients: While your food intake should not change to lose weight, you need to ensure the foods you choose are low in calories but loaded with nutrients. Foods like nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins have few calories but bigger portion sizes. If you can eat a lunch consisting of sliced turkey breast and mixed greens with salad (having low-fat dressing), you should feel satiated. You can add yogurt and non-fat crackers to this lunch-meal.
Healthy dinners: If you are cutting down on calories in order to lose 40 pounds, you have to eliminate foods like candies, cakes, cookies, sodas, etc., that contribute empty calories. These have zero nutritional value but are rich in calories. Instead, choose a wholesome dinner like salmon, a fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, with brown rice and steamed broccoli.
DIY snacks: Daily snacks can pile on the pounds if you aren’t careful. Make your snacks count by eating more veggies and fruits like carrots, celery, oranges, etc. Choose to snack on non-fat whole-wheat crackers and low-fat cheese or fat-free yogurt.
These are simple hacks that are easy-to-follow. Setting a target like this doesn’t mean you have to give up on everything. You can even enjoy cheat days but you should remember not to overindulge in your treats. So, don’t throw away your box of chocolate-chip cookies just yet. Learn to pamper yourself from time to time in moderation.