Let’s get into some specific tips to lose five pounds quickly that will be incredibly helpful. Keep reading to learn what the experts have to say, and next up, be sure to check out People Who Lost 10 Pounds in a Month Reveal Their Best Tips.
1- Use smaller bowls and plates.
If you want to lose five pounds quickly, Lisa Young, Ph.D., RDN, the author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, a nutritionist in private practice, and a member of our Medical Expert Board, encourages you to start using smaller bowls and plates. Being mindful of your portion sizes is important, because eating more food than you should can negatively impact your weight.
Pay attention to the food you’re eating, but also how much of it you’re consuming. Young tells us, “A great way to do this is by using smaller plates and bowls when eating meals. This plays a role in the amount of food you eat when you use smaller plates, as it looks like you’re eating more food, essentially tricking your brain. Moreover, using a smaller plate means filling it with less food than if you were to use a large plate, which cuts down the calories of the meal.”
2- Prep your food in advance.
Meal prepping isn’t simply a time-saver; it’s a smart way to lose weight! Young says, “Research has shown that there is a positive effect on cooking more at home and shedding those extra pounds. Furthermore, controlling the ingredients that go into your meal and knowing what you are eating can help with weight loss, as it is the best tip to eating clean.”
This makes perfect sense, considering when you’re hungry, you likely gravitate toward unhealthy, yet incredibly convenient fast food options. Having snacks and meals that are ready to eat. Take on the go eliminates the stress that comes with cooking daily meals. Especially when you’re busy. “Meal prepping is a great habit to incorporate into your lifestyle as it can help create that shift into a more nourishing diet,” Young adds.
3- Replace processed foods with whole foods.
This is a no-brainer, but something worth mentioning. Processed foods contain many unhealthy and unnecessary ingredients, including hydrogenated and trans-fat, extra sugar, and artificial sweeteners, to name a few. These ingredients have been directly linked to weight gain. In contrast, a diet of fresh produce, legumes, and lean protein is a proven way to lower your weight, Young says.
4- Get enough sleep.
The term “beauty rest” was given its name for good reason. Sleep is essential for losing weight. You need a restful night’s sleep to avoid sleep deprivation and fatigue. When you are overtired, your body’s response time is delayed when it comes to getting rid of waste from your lymphatic system and restoring nutrients. “Therefore, this delay can cause weight gain by leading to hormone malfunctioning,” Young says.
5- Add cardio and weights into your regular workout routine.
A combination of cardio and strength training will really kick your weight loss into high gear. “Cardio can help you burn calories and improve your cardiovascular health. While strength training can build muscle mass and increase your metabolism,” Read explains. Young agrees that strength training is key, noting, “When you lift weights, you are building lean muscle. This muscle-building activity helps to increase our metabolism, which burns more calories.”
