I want to loose 15 pounds fast! How do I do it?

psuLemon

You probably just turned 18. Your metabolism is fine, short of a medical condition. You used to be able to eat more, because you were still growing... in fact, you probably still are growing. At this point, you should have a very small deficit and concentrate on fat loss and muscle retention. You should be weight training 3-4 days a week (either full body routines or splits to start [lower/upper days]) and some cardio/yoga. The issue you will probably has is body composition issues. Getting to a lower weight isn't always the beneficial thing to do either. Sometimes, people cut calories a lot to get to a weight fast thinking it will solve their problems... and guess what, it doesn't. When you do dramatic cuts it also leads to an increased amount of lean body mass loss. LBM (all things not fat) is what determines your metabolic rate, your leanness and many other functions. What I am getting at, even if you hit your weight goal you may not be happy. For now, set a low deficit (20% less than TDEE preferably) and eat foods higher in proteins and fats. For your an estimate calorie amount should be around 1800 calories and macros around 40% carbs, 30% protein and fats. This will allow you to hit 1g of protein and .35g of fats per lb of lean body mass.

On a side note, at some point, if you are not happy with your body, you might need to do a few bulk/cut phases to add muscle. Believe it or not, it makes you more lean. Reference the blog below.

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

Robin_Bin

That's all going to change! I'm going to nip this in the butt. I've started an evercise program at my school and am trying to eat healthier and less.

I want to loose weight fast, but not so fast it's unhealthy.

Glad you're trying to be healthy. Best wishes!

I don't think there is any way to lose 15 lbs - over 10% of your current weight - in 2 months in a healthy way. And trying to lose too quickly just sets you up for a lifetime of yo-yo dieting where you lose quickly and gain even more just as quickly.

Exercising -- not just in formal programs, but by walking and moving more -- is a great start. However, keep in mind that it's almost impossible to out-exercise a poor diet. It's pretty easy to eat 500 calories in a few minutes and hard to exercise 500 calories in an hour.

The good news is that at your size, it won't take much of a weight loss combined with being in better shape to look and feel better. So while it's extremely unlikely that you can find a healthy way to lose that much weight before graduation, it is likely that you can look and feel better.

Oh, and for other suggestions to get you started: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Robin_Bin/view/how-to-use-myfitnesspal-427993

suziecue66

I think (like most) you just have to clean up your food so you can create a caloric deficit. Mostly because you are eating a lot of junk food. I think it makes it harder to maintain a caloric deficit with junk food. Some people can do it fine.
Dont be in a rush because usually if you deprive yourself too much you end up binging.

Lleldiranne

I agree with a lot of what psulemon said, especially regarding your metabolism. You're still growing; even if you're not getting taller you are developing into a woman, and that means a bit more weight than when you were a girl (what you're looking at as a metabolism change is really more likely just those hormones telling your body where to distribute that weight.

That said, I would concentrate on making healthy habits right now. Focus on eating mostly nutrient dense foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, some dairy) and eating an amount that is appropriate for you. Learn to enjoy exercise, whether it's running, swimming, playing a sport, or something else. Also learn to lift - besides helping you achieve a lower body fat %, it's a really good way to maintain bone density as you age. Learn to enjoy treats in moderation. All these habits will help you maintain a healthy weight and a healthy relationship with food.

Also remember that you are not defined by the scale, measuring tape, or size label on your clothes. Love yourself, no matter what. It's great to want to be healthy and look great, but don't tie your self esteem to it

DucklingtoSwan

The single biggest change for me that has helped the best has been portion control. Get a set of measuring spoons and cups, and USE them. Boy was I floored when I discovered that what I thought were "healthy" portions were often more like for 3 or 4 people! Yikes! Pay attention to what labels say is a 'serving' as well. As an example, some cereals say a serving is one cup, but others only 3/4 of a cup. Combine that with the fact that I had NO idea how to eyeball how much a cup actually was, well, let's say now I've learned a few things!

For eating out, most chains have nutrition info out there (and a lot of it is right here on MFP!) and that has also helped me a lot with making choices. Start paying attention to your portions, you will be amazed.

Phrick

The single biggest change for me that has helped the best has been portion control. Get a set of measuring spoons and cups, and USE them. Boy was I floored when I discovered that what I thought were "healthy" portions were often more like for 3 or 4 people! Yikes! Pay attention to what labels say is a 'serving' as well. As an example, some cereals say a serving is one cup, but others only 3/4 of a cup. Combine that with the fact that I had NO idea how to eyeball how much a cup actually was, well, let's say now I've learned a few things!

For eating out, most chains have nutrition info out there (and a lot of it is right here on MFP!) and that has also helped me a lot with making choices. Start paying attention to your portions, you will be amazed.

Now that you've been shocked by how far off the "eyeball it" method was - be prepared to be floored when you watch this video showing how far off measuring cups and spoons are.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVjWPclrWVY

branbuds

On the weekend I fill up snack bags with vegies. I also have a variety of low-cal snacks available. When I get the munchies, it's much easier to grab one of these smarter options than to make something that isn't so smart (I have very little, if any, junk food laying around the house). If I buy it I eat it--just don't have much self control. So I don't buy it. I have created an environment where it is easier to eat healthier. When I get the junk food munchies I either have to cook something or go buy it. Just easier to grab something already made (like those vegie snack bags)!

Veggie snacks sound good. I'm pretty lazy when comes to food so that's one reason why I make so many bad choices. hahaha What are your other go to low-cal snacks?

Fat free, no sugar added Greek yogurt - yummy, about 8g protein
Little cans of flavoured tuna by Cloverleaf - protein
20g plain unsalted almonds
Grilled chicken breast strips - found in the deli section of the supermarket. Use salsa as a dip (or a salad dressing in small amounts)

Protein will have keep you feeling full and you will need it to help you build muscle!
Other ideas?

SLLRunner

You just turned 18. You're still growing, and you are at a healthy weight. Just focus on exercise you like and learn how not to lose control around food. That usually means learning about portion control (in other words, not two or three brownies, but one).

I have a feeling you'll look just fine in your graduation outfit and your summer outfits.

raven_ous

Everything that has needed to be said about crash dieting and unhealthy goals has been said, also rate of loss has been mentioned.

Now here are the tools to lose weight effectively and healthily on mfp.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets.

lauraspberry

I'm not a beach body coach but I lost most of my weight with insanity. Lost 14lbs in 60 days