OK-- Seiously -- What really works?

I've been struggling with the last 15 pounds (you can see me gripe about it in my profile), so when I point you to this article, I hope you'll take in what they're trying to tell you: that how much you can lose depends a lot on how overweight you are and how much of what you're using will be fat:

http://news.menshealth.com/lose-weight-in-week/2012/10/01/

I'm 43, 5'11" and have been athletic since 19 (and fat before then)...although my weight tends to waver from 178 - 210, my doctor wants me at 175 and the health chart on the wall (put there by the insurance companies, mind you) says I need to weigh 164.

I think of the 'secret' to success as a fairly obvious tripod: diet, exercise, plenty of sleep. Kick any one leg out from under the tripod and the whole thing falls. I've seen it happen to me--sleep badly but cut calories? No benefit. Don't exercise? Sleeping and eating right aren't going to really do me much good.

What stuck with me in that article was the bit where it tells you those last few pounds can take the longest. If you're not needing to lose much fat, then it's going to take you longer. When I took up exercise I went from 212 and zero muscle, to 168...and then when I went back up to 180 it was actually a good thing because I was stacking on muscle. So keep that in mind: do what keeps you healthy (like eating healthy), let your metabolism get a boost from a good night's sleep (instead of stimulants, diuretics, and energy drinks that are both), and then take in more protein on the days you exercise so your body burns muscle instead of fat.

Your goal's *date* may not be reasonable for your body, but that doesn't mean the goal itself isn't good. Celebrate your successes, because every pound lost is a success. And best of luck to you.

Intermittent fasting works for me. I've lost 17lbs so far. And kept it off, so don't let people tell you it doesn't work.

Itworks body wraps. It's in the name so it has to work. Seems to be the real deal .

HAHA I posted about this exact product just the other day. It definitely looks legit....but make sure you follow the diet and exercise plan they advertise with it, otherwise all your hard earned money will be wasted! (but it really is the $99 body wraps that work )

It depends what your goal is... is your only goal to lose weight by your birthday and you don't care what you have to do to get there?
If so, just about any fad diet will do it. Eat little and workout like a mad person. Chances are you'll lose a fair bit by mid December.

Or, do you want to set up good habits that are going to enable you to stay thinner and healthier for the long term?
In that case, set yourself up with a moderate deficit, exercise regularly but not excessively and focus on changing habits rather than "dieting".

It's your call, but I recommend the second approach. You might not lose "15 pounds by your birthday" but you will be starting the next decade with a great plan to get and stay healthy.