18 Days, 6-8 pounds, do-able??

I would try the following combination:



along with some:

Just edited my reply because I read further down and you obviously get it now. Good luck!

If all your really wanting is to lose a little bit of weight to fit into a dress for one day why not consider a less unhealthy option than cutting to many calories. Large weightloss goals in short time frames are unrealistic, but there are short term measures that wont hurt your body in the long run.

I had a friend that went to a day spa the day before her wedding, she had one of those wraps done and lost 5 lbs of water weight. She knew it was going to come back, but it helped her look good for that one day she needed it.

Try that instead, you will look and feel good on your day without any nasty side effects.

I was going to the gym 3 times a week, but admittedly I could only do 20-30 minutes

Instead of cutting more calories, why don't you increase your exercise? Even if you don't lose pounds, you will be more toned and feel more secure in your dress...

I agree. If you lose 8 pounds under eating... which, yes, can definitely be done... you will end up still looking bloated. We don't say that to be mean. Speaking from experience here. I am 5'1", was 113lbs when I started, eating at 1200/day without exercise. Reached my goal weight but still had a gut, wth?? Body fat percentage increased, because of the lack of strength training, that's why. My big loss was mostly muscle loss... NOT what I wanted! Eat your target calories, and get your butt in the gym. If you want the results, you have to be willing to work for them! I guarantee you, you'll feel much better in your dress if you get your body from the gym, instead of only by under-nourishing your body. Good luck! And happy early birthday!

People can be so judgmental!! You're beautiful and seem to be healthy so don't listen to the judgments. I've been there too when I've wanted to lose weight quickly, it doesn't make you an unhealthy person. And yes a pound of fat is 3500 calories, but you also have tons of water in your system and it's not hard to lose water weight if you're storing extra (can't say if you are but if you are then it's possible to shed at least a few pounds of that with some dietary tweaks). Eat lots of vegetables and some fruits (berries are always good), cut out grains for the time being (you'll still get tons of healthy carbs from veggies and fruits) and eat lean proteins like chicken or turkey or fish. Drink tons of water to flush out your system and you can also try herbal teas like ginger with lemon and mint. I've lost weight quickly before so I know it's possible, but I weigh more than you so not sure how much of a difference that would make. I find that if you're going to cut calories drastically, do it every other day so your body doesn't get used to the lower calories. Currently I'm doing a juice cleanse to jumpstart some more weight loss because I've gained a little and I am trying to get back on track. The trick is that once you make healthy changes, don't go back to unhealthy habits or it'll all come back. I've found things that work for me, find what works for you. It's your body, feel good about it! It's nice when people are concerned, but judgment doesn't help anyone! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Maybe start 30 Day Shred (Jillian Michael's). You won't lose the weight, but you may change your measurements???

Exactly what I was going to say.

Do not eat less, it won't do you any good. I lost 8 pounds in little more than a month (not everything in my ticker) so you can shred a few pounds in a couple of weeks as well. Here is the battle plan:

1. Cup of unsweetened green tea in the morning to boost your metabolism.
2. Huge calories burn - I did 30 Days shred, Zumba, running beside my everyday walking and cycling. My burn was between 500-1000 calories per day. Working out can shape your body better than just smaller weight.
3. Gallons of water!
4. Proteins and more proteins! Up to 1 g per 0.5 kg of body weight. Add protein powder or protein bars.
5. Home cooking
6. Veggies and fruits

I'm not sure how tall you are, but depending on that, I can see why you'd say 8 lbs would be noticeable. I'm 5' 8" and I could lose/gain 20lbs and nobody notices but my best friend who is 5'1" loses/gains 5 lbs and it's super noticeable.

That being said, I understand not wanting to change your eating habits (especially if it has been working for you weightloss wise). I would say add something like 30DS or another circut based DVD into your routine. I'm only on day 7 of 30DS and I can already see a lot of definition in my legs and arms and I've lost about 4lbs since I started. Granted I started at 207 lbs so I have a lot more to lose than you so it might not come off as quickly. But the workout is great and it's only about 20 minutes (25ish including warm-up and cool-down).

Best of luck, but remember, if you don't lose those last 8 lbs don't let it spoil your birthday. From what I can see you're gorgeous (I wish I had looked like that on my 21st birthday---which was 4 years ago) and 8 lbs certainly shouldn't come between you and a great night of celebrating!!!!!