How to Lose a Lot of Weight in 20 Days

There are both right and wrong ways to try to lose weight. The right way is through a healthy diet and lots of exercise. Setting a weight loss goal is important. If you've given yourself 20 days to lose a significant amount of weight, remember that this period of time is not exceedingly long. But depending on what you consider a lot of weight, you'll still be able to lose several pounds through diet and exercise.

Instructions

1

Set a weight loss goal for you to achieve over the next 20 days. Goal setting is an important first step to losing weight ,because through daily weigh-ins you'll know if you're on track. This goal may be 10, 15 or 20 pounds. Remember to be realistic and know you're not going to lose 50 pounds in 20 days. But if you establish good habits during the first 20 days, you'll be well on your way to losing more weight, if so desired.

2

Add daily exercise to your routine and try to be doing something physical for at least 60 minutes a day. Depending on your fitness level, choose an exercise or exercises that push your body. This could be a 30-minute walk each morning and evening, joining a gym, taking a fitness class or anything else that makes you sweat. As you exercise, your body's metabolism increases, thus burning fat.

3

Drink at least eight classes of water a day. Water is vital to weight loss for its ability to keep your body hydrated and burn fat. If you're the type who needs notes to stay organized, keep a checklist of the glasses of water you've consumed until you reach eight.

4

Eat a balanced breakfast every morning, especially if you usually skip this meal. A balanced breakfast should include fruit and grains, while avoiding refined sugar as much as possible. Peanut butter on toast and some fruit, for example, will give your body the protein, grains and natural sugar it needs. Eating a full breakfast will also help you avoid a midmorning food craving, which you may satisfy by eating something that isn't nutritious.

5

Consume at least six servings of fruit and vegetables daily to fill your body with important vitamins and minerals. Fruits such as blueberries, apples and pomegranates are a sweet treat while providing you with antioxidants that will help cleanse your body. Dark, leafy vegetables are full of important vitamins, so try to eat spinach, kale and chard as much as possible, while incorporating other important veggies such as avocados.

6

Eliminate saturated fats and refined sugars from your diet. This step may prove challenging, as many people find these substances addictive. But they're unhealthy for you in a multitude of ways and are proven to clog arteries and build fat. Avoid fried foods such as French fries and potato chips, as well as sugary foods such as soft drinks, ice cream and any sweet, baked treats. Over the next 20 days, consider not eating in restaurants. Restaurant food is notoriously loaded with fat and sugar.

7

Weigh yourself every morning and chart your progress. Don't be discouraged if you don't see a decrease in your weight over the first two or three days of your new routine. Your body is still adjusting to the changes, and you'll soon see improvement. Likewise, don't be let down if you gain a pound during the 20 days. If you exercise daily and consume the right foods, you will shed the pounds. Celebrate each week's accomplishment by telling supportive friends and family members.