What is Rapid Weight Loss?
First lets define what we mean by rapid 3-4 pounds per week is really rapid! 1-2 pounds is much more attainable but still quite fast You may have been heard of people lose crazy amounts in a week but these results are usually sensationalised claims from people marketing weight loss products or programs. Sometimes it is possible to lose weight faster for a short period of time, through water loss.
It may not be what you want to hear but losing 1-2 pounds of weight each week will result in massive changes to your body in a short space of time. Imagine losing 50-100 pounds of fat in a single year! A bit of patience and discipline are required but the results are worth it.
Water Loss
Usually when people do lose weight really quickly much of loss is water. When you eat dramatically less than you need to meet your energy requirements the body will use up the stores of energy within the muscles (muscle glycogen). The glycogen stored in the muscle also has a lot of water with it, so when you lose muscle glycogen you'll also be losing water. This state of depleted energy stores in the muscle is difficult to sustain and will leave you with low energy levels. So this is why many people start off their weight loss program with a massive drop in the first week but then are unable to sustain in or put some of the weight back on. If this happens to you it's vital that you don't get discouraged.
Key Ideas
Enjoy It
The key to losing weight is not in a pill, exercise machine or dieting fad ... it's in your mind. You need to find the enjoyment in healthy eating and exercise. Pay attention to what's happening with your body, enjoy the extra energy you get, enjoy the feeling in the muscles the day after excersise. Despise feeling bloated after overeating, despise the sluggish feeling that you get from not exercising. Most of all enjoy doing what you think is right rather than just doing what is easy.
The Power Of Momentum
Realise how important momentum is. If you haven't been exercising it may be hard to get started at first, but know that it will get easier - in fact the instant you start doing it will seem easier, the second you actually walk out the door to go for a walk it will seem easier. Things may happen from time to time that hurt your momentum busy schedules, injuries and sickness can all take their toll. Once again remember that it will seem easier once you start doing it. This applies to eating habits as well as exercising.
Don't Rip Off Your Future Self
When considering an action look at it as if you were in the future. What would the "you of the future" want you to do right now? The right thing of course. Future you would want you to choose the apple over the slice of cake. If you're not convinced of this imagine your past, are you really glad that you indulged in some fattening treat?
