Need help with droping 12 pounds in 4 weeks

The most recommended to lose is 2 lbs per week so I would look towards 8 lbs in 4 weeks which is totally possible. That of course is 8 lbs of fat. If you have a high sodium level in your diet, signifigantly cutting down your sodium may drop a few extra pounds of water.:bigsmile:

I completely agree, if you want to lose it and keep it off, aim for a maximum of 2 pounds a week, it'll only take another 2 weeks - but the end result will be just awesome :bigsmile:

Why 4 weeks? Like others have said 2 lbs a week is best especially since you don't have alot to lose. That would put you at 6 weeks.
Are you doing cardio? When I weighed 115 I still had a pouchy stomach. I gained 10 lbs and then I started running 3 days a week. I used the couch to 5k program. At 120 I look better than when I weighed less. So don't get to hung up on the numbers on the scale.

For lunches I like salads and homemade soups. Use a low sodium stock add any kind of vegetables you like, cooked chicken, beans, lentils. Vary your spices basil & oregano or thyme & rosemary. That will give you different flavors.

Dinners, I am not willing to give up foods I like. I still eat homemade pizza. Thin crust made with part white whole wheat flour, I make my own sauce, don't put on huge amounts of cheese, use 1 link of hot Italian sausage for 1 pizza, brown first and drain of the fat. add peppers, red onion, mushrooms. I limit myself to 2 slices.

I still eat pasta but watch the portion size. A single portion is about 1 C. dry. For spaghetti think about the size of a quarter dry. Make sauces with vegetables. One of my favorites is chicken caccaitore
Canola or olive oil for sauteing
Dice 2 boneless chicken breasts.
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 green pepper, diced ( I like to use red, yellow, orange)
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 8 oz can tomatoe sauce
1/4 C. wine (white or red, whatever you're feeling or you can skip it if you don't like it)
1 tsp. each dry basil & oregano
Saute onion & garlic till onion is soft. Remove from pan. Add more oil and saute chicken. Add onion & garlic back to pan and the peppers, tomatoes, tomatoe sauce, basil, oregano, salt & pepper. Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Uncover add wine and simmer 15 min.
This is a basic recipe. I make it without the chicken sometimes. I've also used leftover grilled or pan roasted vegetables instead of sauteing the onion & garlic. Grilled vegetable have such a wonderful flavor. Using different wines gives a different flavor.

The key is to watch your portion size. This is a great site to track your food intake and exercise. When I started it I realized I was not eating enough. I was trying to keep my calories at 1200 when I should be eating 1520. When I upped my calories is when I started to lose.
Kelly

At 136lbs, I doubt you could lose 12lbs in 4 weeks without crash dieting and starving yourself.
What is in 4 weeks? Can you extend the time frame?

I agree with this. At your weight, even consistently losing 1 lb a week in a healthy way is going to be really tough. Don't rush it.

I am currently considered 4 lbs overweight. I eat 1300 calories a day and am lucky when I lose 1 lb in a week. I'd say just stick to the plan. excercise and eat those calories back, avoid high fat/ sugar foods. Just stick with it. It'll come off, but 12 lbs in 4 weeks is excessive, that's all I was saying.

I am currently considered 4 lbs overweight. I eat 1300 calories a day and am lucky when I lose 1 lb in a week. I'd say just stick to the plan. excercise and eat those calories back, avoid high fat/ sugar foods. Just stick with it. It'll come off, but 12 lbs in 4 weeks is excessive, that's all I was saying.

Kerri I love your new picture!