How to Lose 20 Pounds Before School Starts

We all want to make a good impression on the first day of school. For those who want to lose weight before the first day of school, we might also be motivated a few months prior by swim suit season. The amount of time that it takes to lose 20 pounds will vary from one person to the next, but there's no time like the present to get started losing weight in a healthy way.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep a food diary. This first step may be harder than appears because it involves total honesty about your dietary intake and exercise habits. Keep track of all of the foods and beverages consumed over the course of one week, and jot down any exercise you have done.

• 2

  Count calories. Using either an online or book-based guide, calculate your average daily caloric intake during that first week. Again, the more accurate and honest you are, the better.

• 3

  Create a food plan based on your nutritional needs and preferences using the calorie counter as your guide. One pound of body weight is equal to 3,500 calories. To lose one pound, you'll need to reduce your total caloric intake by 3,500 calories, but how long it takes to do this is up to you. It can be achieved by eating less and exercising more, keeping in mind that it is considered unhealthy to eat less than 1,500 calories per day and to lose more than two pounds per week.

• 4

  Adjust your plan as needed. Some days you might not have time to exercise or might be feeling tired. Other days, illness or a spontaneous lunch meeting might interfere with your plan. The key to success is to stay calm and focused when your schedule changes unexpectedly and to get back on track as soon as possible -- the same day if possible.