How to Lose 40 Pounds Easily

Weight loss is a rewarding and healthy experience. Your overall health, flexibility, and shape improve when you drop excess pounds. Losing a considerable amount of weight can seem intimidating, but with a sensible diet and fitness plan, you can achieve your goals. You can drop a whopping 40 pounds--and several inches and clothing sizes--in as little as four months without spending a lot of money or trying unhealthy fad diets.

Things You'll Need

• Weight loss journal

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your physician. A 40-pound weight loss goal is significant, and you need a physical to ensure that your body is in good condition. If you take any type of medication, ask your doctor if it will interfere with your diet. In addition, ask for a multivitamin recommendation for extra energy and the daily caloric amount he recommends for your weight loss.

• 2

  Keep a journal. You can do this on the computer or with a pen and notebook. Take body measurements by measuring your bust or chest, waist and hips. Also measure your neck, upper arms and thighs. Measurements should be taken every two or three weeks. Record your initial weight, and weigh yourself at the same time each week. Plan your meals in the journal, and record everything you consume.

• 3

  Clean your cabinets and refrigerator. High-calorie foods, such as cookies and cakes, can be harmful to your diet, so avoid them. Donate unopened food to charity, and throw opened items away. Stock up on lean proteins, such as chicken breasts and fish; they help build fat-burning muscle. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables for snack foods. Study labels on dessert products, and select sugar-free and low-carbohydrate alternatives.

• 4

  Exercise regularly. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular exercise burns fat and improves your heart functions. You can do cardiovascular exercise in the gym, outdoors or in the comfort of your home with exercise videos. Aim for five days of cardiovascular exercise each week, and work out for at least 45 minutes to an hour each time. Avoid overtraining--cardiovascular exercise should be challenging but never painful. Subtle changes, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator and walking during your lunch break, also help you drop pounds faster.