How do I lose 20 pounds in 3 months?

I see people do it and if I lose 2 pounds a week that's 24 pounds in three months but hooow? Just eating in my macros and working out? Will that really work? How do I stick to it?
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Replies

  • Yes,

    stick to myfitnesspal, up your fitness level and you can do it =)

    20 lbs in 3 months is pretty much my goal as well =)
  • ElyseL1
    ElyseL1 Posts: 504 Member
    Watch what you eat and work out. So many people act like it's just magically going to happen and complain when it doesn't. All you have to do is eat as healthily as possible and work out. The weight will come off.
  • MidwestAngel
    MidwestAngel Posts: 1,897 Member
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  • It can be done, but I takes me 6 months to lose 12 pounds..I have lost and regained those 12 pounds 10 times...now its taking me a month to lose a pound..because I go up and down weekly. Its maddening. You can lose 20 pounds in 3 months, plenty of people do..I would be happy with 15 in 3...5 pounds a month..thats all I have to lose and it does not want to come off.
  • BuckeyeBabe10
    BuckeyeBabe10 Posts: 204 Member
    Dr. Weird - How to lose weight in seconds (Youtube)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUAPDvo2UBM


    (obviously, my comment is a humorous approach)
  • beyondjupiter
    beyondjupiter Posts: 247 Member
    What is your diet like? How much water do you drink?

    20 lbs in 3 months is very very attainable. So far, I have lost the most weight following "Eat to Live" (a book). Good read!

    Jen
  • jasgroup
    jasgroup Posts: 2
    I started on Jan 14, 2013 and I've lost 23.4 pounds as of this week. That's 2 lbs a week over the last 12. It's hard, but it can be done. You need to be disciplined, eat CLEAN (no processed junk, more fruits and veggies, limit alcohol and sugary soda, etc), and most importantly, track everything you put in your mouth. I have a friend who said she stops tracking after she's hit her calorie limit. That's won't help you because when you don't track completely, every day, you're not living in reality (not you, but whoever doesn't track consistently). I also got a reality check on what a true portion is. When I first started, I measured everything because often, what we "think" is a cup, or we "think" is 10 chips, or we "think" is 3 ounces, is really more. I also walk 3x a week, moderate pace, on our treadmill. I had a few weeks where I gained half a pound, often happens during that time of the month, but if you gain a bit, don't beat yourself up. Just keep sticking with the plan and the weight will slowly melt off, which is the safe way to do it. I too have read and am following the Eat to Live book by Dr. Joel Furhman like the poster before me (Jan). Good luck!
  • Lift_This_
    Lift_This_ Posts: 2,756 Member
    Dr. Weird - How to lose weight in seconds (Youtube)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUAPDvo2UBM


    (obviously, my comment is a humorous approach)

    i actually watched him yesterday (not by choice...was in a waiting room all day), but he showed us how to lose 20 pounds in 28 days!!! Dr. OZ is full of miracles!!! (and no, I am so not serious....he is crazy in the head).
  • FootballGamer58
    FootballGamer58 Posts: 1,310 Member
    Yes
  • BuckeyeBabe10
    BuckeyeBabe10 Posts: 204 Member
    QUOTE:

    Dr. Weird - How to lose weight in seconds (Youtube)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUAPDvo2UBM


    (obviously, my comment is a humorous approach)

    QUOTE:

    i actually watched him yesterday (not by choice...was in a waiting room all day), but he showed us how to lose 20 pounds in 28 days!!! Dr. OZ is full of miracles!!! (and no, I am so not serious....he is crazy in the head).
    Edited by LEM_hmrthwr1407 on Wed 04/10/13 04:37 PM


    ______________________________________________________________________

    Haha...yeah, you didn't watch the video...

    I was joking about an Aqua Teen Hunger Force episode...the video is animated and clearly an over-dramatization. :o)

    Just wanted to clarify - NOT Dr. OZ or anything even close to that, haha.
  • JessicaDumont2
    JessicaDumont2 Posts: 100 Member
    Work your *kitten* off when you workout. :) don't stop when you get tired, go the extra mile. It'll work. :)
  • EqualLove
    EqualLove Posts: 14 Member
    i lost 14 in a month, walked 6 miles minimum a day.
  • 02oakleyb29
    02oakleyb29 Posts: 12 Member
    I started on Jan 21, 2013 and have lost 28 lbs so far...If I can do it, anyone can...seriously. You just have to be dedicated and motivated...work out on days when you don't want too. Pass up on the monthly birthday cake at work and the candy bar calling your name in the vending machine.

    If you want it bad enough, you will do it.

    Good Luck :)
  • I have found that journaling EVERYTHING I put in my mouth keeps me on track. Even if I go over my recommeded calorie allowance for the day, it is ok. With journalling, you can see each day where you stuggle and even make notes as to what may have enabled you to overeat or not enough. Since February 5th, I am down 20 pounds as of April 1st. The last few weeks I haven't journaled as I had been, so I don't know what kind of progress I will see at the end of the month when I go to the doctors. Good luck in your endeavour and with hard work and determination, you will succeed.
  • beyondjupiter
    beyondjupiter Posts: 247 Member
    I like Dr. Oz. Maybe that is just me lol.
    I see people do it and if I lose 2 pounds a week that's 24 pounds in three months but hooow? Just eating in my macros and working out? Will that really work? How do I stick to it?


    Anyway, you haven't responded yet but I will try to answer some of your questions.

    It depends on how much you weigh. If you only have 20 lbs to lose, say you are 140 and want to get to 120, it may be harder than you think. At your age though, it may be easier. It all depends on your dedication (in your control) and your body chemistry (out of your control).

    Your best bet would be to eat A LOT of veggies (leafy greens especially) and some fruit, try to limit your animal products too. Don't eat meat at every meal and limit your dairy to a few times a week or switch to something like almond milk. Eat some nuts as snacks, take a multivitamin, drink a lot of water, no soda or diet soda, eat beans to replace some of that protein you won't be getting from all the meat (kidney beans, black beans, lima beans... etc. if you get them canned make sure to rinse and drain them), and some whole grains here and there such as brown rice, quinoa, etc.

    Exercise at least 2-3 times a week with cardio and mix up some weight training in there. Remember muscles help burn fat!

    Sticking to it isn't the easy part, it is the hardest IMO. If you are dedicated and ready, you can do it. I suggest reading "Eat to Live" by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. Watch documentaries such as "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" and "Forks over Knives".

    Adjust your taste buds to get away from the processed sugar and crap. Choose exercises that you like and switch them up (as your body will get used to them and you will get bored).

    Most of all remember this quote... "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right".
  • i did just by changing my diet. I actually consume more calories than I did before. I really cut back on wheat, rice, quinoa, and potatoes.
  • Cheeky_0102
    Cheeky_0102 Posts: 408 Member
    it will also depend on where that 20 lbs are... I was certain when I started losing that I would lose 20 lbs quickly... I'm down 23 lbs now in something like 7 weeks... if I didn't have 50 to go at the beginning, that would actually be considered a concern! If it's your last 20 lbs, or you aren't overweight, then it's a little harder to get lbs off... especially if you sculpt your body in the process.
    I had to join weight watchers and quit the gym for my last 10 lbs last time (bad move, ultimately my skinny closet's demise) because a clean diet and exercise just weren't cutting it
  • cindijelly
    cindijelly Posts: 43 Member
    Probably, make sure it's a plan you can live with. That makes the tough days easier
  • cindijelly
    cindijelly Posts: 43 Member
    it will also depend on where that 20 lbs are... I was certain when I started losing that I would lose 20 lbs quickly... I'm down 23 lbs now in something like 7 weeks... if I didn't have 50 to go at the beginning, that would actually be considered a concern! If it's your last 20 lbs, or you aren't overweight, then it's a little harder to get lbs off... especially if you sculpt your body in the process.
    I had to join weight watchers and quit the gym for my last 10 lbs last time (bad move, ultimately my skinny closet's demise) because a clean diet and exercise just weren't cutting it
    Why was WW and quitting the gym bad, did you gain?
  • cindijelly
    cindijelly Posts: 43 Member
    i did just by changing my diet. I actually consume more calories than I did before. I really cut back on wheat, rice, quinoa, and potatoes.
    Good to know, was there exercise involved? Did you eat over your calories?
  • lauramcconnell7535
    lauramcconnell7535 Posts: 33 Member
    It will work, you just have to be diligent and honest with entering your food and I started in mid January and I have lost 25 lbs. You can do it, good luck
  • I'm on a very similar mission - My flatmate and I have signed up to a 12 week challenge at my local gym to keep me on track. So I have the support of my flatmate and gym trainer, plus I have people keeping an eye on me and my progress. I find this keeps me on track more than doing things on my own.

    Sensible eating (clean, and regular protein), regular excersize, and keeping up your motivation will get you there. I have a rewards system - a small weekly reward for going to bootcamp every week, and larger rewards for keeping on track. I'm rewarding myself with things like manicures, jewellery, clothing, SHOES, things that give me a boost in confidence. Use MFP too - the people on here can be super supportive and can offer you great advice. Make as many MFP friends as poss. You can do it!!!
  • robsgurl
    robsgurl Posts: 97 Member
    I lost 21 pounds between Feb 6th to yesterday April 9th . I just ate up to my calories I have set for the day and working out doing taebo, leslie sanson 3 mile walking workout, Tiffany Rothe workouts on youtube. When I get stuck with the weight loss I just mix up my workout some and that helps.
  • ThisOtherGirl
    ThisOtherGirl Posts: 56 Member
    I know this is super greedy, but I actually want to lose 20 pounds in 4-6 weeks time! Actually, being big and all, I can probably drop 7 pounds the first week alone! I've done it before (was younger though)! And I also have to admit that I exercised twice as hard!
  • nursecat1
    nursecat1 Posts: 18 Member
    :happy: Make an "action plan"--Goal #1: Snacking. Goal #2:Activity. I wrote out everything on paper and carry it around the house. So far,so good.
  • Lift_This_
    Lift_This_ Posts: 2,756 Member
    QUOTE:

    Dr. Weird - How to lose weight in seconds (Youtube)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUAPDvo2UBM


    (obviously, my comment is a humorous approach)

    QUOTE:

    i actually watched him yesterday (not by choice...was in a waiting room all day), but he showed us how to lose 20 pounds in 28 days!!! Dr. OZ is full of miracles!!! (and no, I am so not serious....he is crazy in the head).
    Edited by LEM_hmrthwr1407 on Wed 04/10/13 04:37 PM


    ______________________________________________________________________

    Haha...yeah, you didn't watch the video...

    I was joking about an Aqua Teen Hunger Force episode...the video is animated and clearly an over-dramatization. :o)

    Just wanted to clarify - NOT Dr. OZ or anything even close to that, haha.

    haha..i saw dr. weird and associated it with dr. oz...my bad...i don't watch tv all that much.
  • Cheeky_0102
    Cheeky_0102 Posts: 408 Member
    it will also depend on where that 20 lbs are... I was certain when I started losing that I would lose 20 lbs quickly... I'm down 23 lbs now in something like 7 weeks... if I didn't have 50 to go at the beginning, that would actually be considered a concern! If it's your last 20 lbs, or you aren't overweight, then it's a little harder to get lbs off... especially if you sculpt your body in the process.
    I had to join weight watchers and quit the gym for my last 10 lbs last time (bad move, ultimately my skinny closet's demise) because a clean diet and exercise just weren't cutting it
    Why was WW and quitting the gym bad, did you gain?

    no I lost the last ten lbs, then I lost my metabolism, then I got sick, then I gained
  • SteelySunshine
    SteelySunshine Posts: 1,092 Member
    I see people do it and if I lose 2 pounds a week that's 24 pounds in three months but hooow? Just eating in my macros and working out? Will that really work? How do I stick to it?

    The easy answer is to create a 750 calorie deficit everyday. Either through diet, exercise, or both. I was only doing diet for about 5 months I actually had to lose some weight before I was healthy enough to exercise. I got the go ahead to exercise just a few weeks ago and it's going actually better than I thought possible just 4 weeks ago. So anyway if you can exercise go for it.

    I have some questions as well.

    1. Do you have an exercise buddy either human or pet? I am going to walk my dog at least once a day, cuz she needs to lose weight to.

    2. About how much do you need to lose? If you have 100+ losing that much shouldn't be too hard. If you only have 20 to lose it's going to be harder and maybe a smaller goal would be better, I am not saying don't do it, but realistically it might be a lot more doable to lose 10 lbs just saying.

    3. Are you trying to lose for a specific event? If so consider not pushing so hard just for vanity. I know I know it's hard to think that you won't be at goal. But, if you are only 10 lbs overweight for this event is that really so bad? IMO it's better to think of this as a lifestyle change to become healthier and it's a lot easier to focus on that and just learn to eat more fruits, veggies, and less a lot less processed foods and move more. You can burn hundreds of calories a day by taking an hour walk, I don't know how much for you cuz I don't have your stats. But, an hour walk plus cutting down a couple hundred calories a day will work and you will lose weight.

    I don't think in general there is anything wrong with your goal. Some people might think it's too fast. I think that it really depends a whole lot on your situation if it is or isn't. What I think is important though is your mind set. If you are thinking short term then it could end up putting you into the yo-yo syndrome and that is a really bad place to go. IMO it would be better to make an effort to eat less processed foods, concentrate on whole foods especially be aware of fiber and hitting that goal (there are side effects if you aren't used to fiber foods) and move more. So in a nutshell three things

    1. Log everything food and exercise

    2. More fiber, less processed foods.

    3. Move more
  • SA_80_2012
    SA_80_2012 Posts: 45 Member
    Everyone has given you, thus far their pearls of wisdom, great advice and insight.

    Bottom line is........
    Stay focused;
    Stay motivated;
    Push yourself to the brink and then that little bit more when working out (though make sure to do the exercises correctly in order to prevent injuries or unncessary pain!);
    Don't deprive yourself too much of what you want to have - smaller portions help with cravings, as well as alternatives to the good old calorie rich stuff. Example: I drink fizzy/soda water instead of Coke or those sweet fizzy/soda drinks.

    Don't beat yourself up if your go over your calorie count - aim not to obviously, but remember that if you are going to go over the calorie count you need to be on to get to your goal, you can counter-balance that intake by going for a 30min brisk walk, or doing 15 mins on the elliptical machine @ an intense pace.

    Whether you are aiming to reach your goal weight within a short time frame for a special reason or not, why not consider this as a turning point in your life, and use these first 3 months as a guide to a healthier, better, cleaner lifestyle that you could maintain for the rest of your life? ... Because let's face it, diets are like band-aid remedies to temporarily "deal" with the issue at hand. Like a band-aid, once it's off and if we keep banging the same spot, we will only make the sore come back... That's basically the same result a diet will offer, once you are off it. The weight may come back on, and maybe with some additional pounds.

    Good luck in however you decide to tackle your weight loss challenge, but whatever you do, don't give up and don't give in :-)
  • cinrn68
    cinrn68 Posts: 215 Member
    I lost 20 lbs in 3 months, so yes, it can be done. I basically just ate healthy -- NO junk food whatsoever. No "cheat" days. I made that mistake in the past and ended up gaining back all the weight I had lost. Change your frame of mind. Ask yourself if eating the bad stuff (whatever your weaknesses are i.e. sweets, salty snacks, fast food, etc.) is really going to benefit your life at this point. I cut out alcohol because it usually led to me wanting salty snacks along with it. I've stuff to the MFP calorie intake and am exercising at least 4 times per week. It has been hard work, but I don't feel like I've been depriving myself at all because I'm seeing the results and feeling so much better! Good luck to you!