How to Slim Down in Six Weeks

Although the best approach to long-term weight loss is to take the slow and steady route, for some people, an upcoming event means only a short time is available to shape up, while others find that seeing good results early on can help them to stay motivated on their weight loss journey. Knowing how to slim down in six weeks can help anyone carrying a little extra weight to achieve their goal of a healthier, happier life.

Things You'll Need

• Bathroom scales
• Tape Measure
• Diet plan/diet book
• Comfortable exercise clothes
• Pamper products (such as a favorite bath oils, face masks and leave in hair conditioners)

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose the right diet plan to suit your lifestyle.

  Research weight loss plans online or by looking at a range of diet books and select a regime that suits your lifestyle. If you love meat and cheese but can live without pasta and potatoes, you may wish to consider a low carbohydrate plan, or if you prefer a little taste of everything, a calorie counting or low fat plan may work better for you. Choose a realistic plan---a fasting diet in which very little food is allowed may promise quick results but is likely to be very hard to follow and could be damaging to your health. Learn the principles of the plan you have chosen. It is a good idea to consult your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise plan.

• 2

  Get rid of tempting foods.

  Search through your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer and and throw away or give away all foods that will not be allowed on your diet plan---removing temptation can make it easier to fulfil a weight loss goal. Inform other members of your household that you will not tolerate tempting foods in your sight; if they wish to eat these things, they must do so where you cannot see. It can help if family members join you on your six-week weight loss plan to offer support.

• 3

  Weighing and measuring can make it easier to track weight loss.

  Weigh yourself using bathroom scales. Pick a spot on a firm surface that you will use for each weigh in. Make a note of your weight. Use the measuring tape to measure your waist, thighs, upper arms and hips and make a note of the measurements; slimming may be better tracked in inches lost than in pounds, so it is important to have all your stats before you start a six-week plan.

• 4

  Exercise is key to six-week weight loss.

  Start your diet plan and follow it to the letter. Introduce exercise into your daily routine in a way that is appropriate to your level of health. Beginners can try gentle activities such as walking and swimming, while more active slimmers may wish to visit the gym or take an exercise class. Aim for at least three half-hour sessions of exercise each week and try to be more active every day---get off the bus a stop early, park the car at the far end of the car park or choose the stairs instead of the elevator. Get the family involved in playing team sports or trying a hiking, cycling or climbing outing together for fun ways to exercise.

• 5

  Use non-food pamper treats to reward weight loss efforts.

  Weigh-in once a week only for the full six weeks. Weekly weigh-ins will show better results and reduce the chance of you becoming discouraged by slow or minimal weight loss and abandoning your weight loss plan. If the scales show poor weight loss, use the tape measure to check inch loss in the areas measured at the start. Reward your efforts with a non-food treat, such as a personal pamper session with bath oils, face mask and hair treatments, or a trip to a favorite non-food destination such as the theatre or beauty shop.