Help please--I need to safely lose as much as possible in 6 weeks!

[HappyMommy2]

Don't worry, I'm not looking for a "quick fix" here--I want to live a healthy lifestyle for the long haul, and I have begun doing so, with some minor tumbles off the wagon, since I started WISH in mid-March.

I've lost 15 pounds of my long-term goal of 35, and am fitter than I was before (I've been doing Body for Life exercise program with a semi-Weight Watchers diet). However, the weight loss has slowed now to .5-1 pound per week, which WILL be fine for me over the long haul, but my problem now is that my DH is returning from military deployment (Lord willing) in about 6 weeks and I want to accelerate things if possible in anticipation of that date. Ideally I'd like to lose 10-12 pounds before then. Should I up my exercise routine? (Right now it's 3 days cardio, 3 days weights per week). Should I just my calories? I HAVE been indulging in a few treats; maybe I need to cut all those out. I'm considering doing South Beach for the 6 weeks but I'm not sure about that. Would it be worth trying SB for just the 6 weeks and then see if I want to stick to it longer? Weight loss drugs are out of the question but I'm open to just about anything else. I do plan to continue my BFL exercise routine, but will add to it if necessary.

Any tips for a quick 6-week boost? Or should I just stick to what I've been doing and be content with losing 4-5 pounds by that day? Thankfully my sweet DH would think I was beautiful even if I weighed a hundred pounds more than I do, but I would really like to fit nicely into the very cute dress I saw at Nordstrom
today!

Sorry this was so long!
Edited to add: Oh how funny, I just found StitchGirl's recent thread about--guess what?--losing weight in 6 weeks! I read the great replies there but if anyone has some tips to add for me here please do...sorry for the semi-duplicate thread!
Janet

 

[Samandmom]

On top of doing Curves and WW, I have added walking the past few weeks. Walking really boosts my losses.

 

[clarabelle]

I don't know much about SB -but I think sometimes having a "plan" helps- especially at the beginning or for a jumpstart.
The walking sounds like a great idea.
Are you measuring portions? That helps me a lot.
For treats I like the blue bunny ice cream bars made with splenda.
And sugar free jello with cool whip light.
I think you could loose a bunch in six weeks!
Congratulations on having your husband back!

 

[Baileymouse]

If you can do it, Atkins induction and a LOT of walking. Get a stepometer and do those 10,000 steps a day. Works for me!

All the best,
Adele

 

[Rhonda]

I second the vote for Atkins - it's a very healthy diet, and you'll feel great on top of losing fairly quickly! You'll see that you have lots of energy - that you should use for walking or some other exercise!

SB is also a good choice - very close to Atkins, but you won't lose quite as quickly.

 

[KathyTX]

If you want to stick to the WW style plan, you can boost it by sticking to a "start up" plan for the six weeks. That's a good way for any WW to get back into the groove after a vacation or a period of slow losses, too.

Do you have the WW program materials? You can just follow the beginning weeks plans for the 6 weeks.

The main tips I'd offer are:

MAKE A MENU PLAN, and stick to it. You can write down what you're going to eat each day, ahead of time. If it's not on the plan, don't put it in your mouth.

Cut out the treats for now. If you're cutting down to the minimum points/calories, you want to be sure that every bite you eat is nutritious.

Load up on the veggies. Steamed or raw, no sauces. Use I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray if you need a little buttery kick.

Drink LOTS of water. Make it your beverage with every meal- lose the sodas.

There are several different "Quick Start" type meal plans that WW has put out... slightly different names in different years. Do you have any of those around?

 

[TigerBear]

I just started a challenge today with my boyfriend to see who can lose the most weight in 30 days. Here is my plan: exercise everyday (alternating cardio and strength training), increase lean protein, signficantly decrease white carbs (sugar, bread, rice, potatoes), increase water intake, and eliminate alcohol. I can tell you in four weeks whether it works or not.

What kind of cardio do you do? Maybe you should consider either increasing the intensity or duration of your workouts?

My almost cheatfree snack is going to be sugar-free jello. Only 10 calories a serving and it is tasty!

Good luck! I can imagine how happy you must be that your dh will be home soon.

 

[raidermatt]

If you've found a plan that's working, my humble suggestion would be to stick with it. If you try to alter it over the short term, you run the risk of getting out of a routine you can maintain, and not being able to get it going again at the end of the 6 weeks.

You've already lost 15 lbs, which is great.

However, if you really want to change something for that "little extra", adding a little more exercise is probably the way to go. Remember, if time is an issue, you can increase the intensity of your excercise as well.

Dropping those treats you mention would help a bit as well.

I know the diets you mention work for a lot of people, but I just wouldn't recomment taking one up for a short term boost, especially since your already on your way with your current program.

 

[HappyMommy2]

Thanks for the extremely helpful responses! That was just the type of input I was looking for.

As I've been reading your responses over the last couple of days I have also been looking over my exercise and eating journals, and I'm seeing plenty of room for small improvements that will help me reach my goals. I've decided that since I do love the "plan" that I'm on right now, and since it has become a well-ingrained routine (good point about the established routine, raidermatt, thanks!), I am going to stick with it but really boost it up a notch. Thanks to everyone for your tips on "boosting"--today I started by increasing my cardio intensity and by cutting my calories/points down a bit. Tomorrow I will do more reps during my weight training routine. I am also planning to add yoga or pilates twice a week, and I'm going to make menu plans ahead of time (thanks KathyTX). I think with all those little boosts in place I will do just fine!

BTW best wishes TigerBear on your 1-month challenge--let us know how it goes!

Thanks again,
Janet