Ways to Lose 15 Pounds

For most people, losing 15 pounds is a reasonable goal. Barring any physical inabilities or medical reasons why weight loss should be avoided, there are several ways in which you can lose 15 pounds in a relatively reasonable amount of time. Always check with your healthcare provider prior to attempting weight loss. If you are given but the go-ahead to shed the extra 15 pounds, consider the following techniques.

Diet

• Diet is extremely important when it comes to weight gain or loss. The food you put into your body will directly affect how your weight fluctuates. Food types, as well as when they are eaten and in what proportions, are largely responsible for determining your weight. There are a variety of ways to lose 15 pounds with diet changes alone, though exercise is an effective way to boost your weight loss. According to Good Housekeeping, cutting just 75 calories daily can help you achieve a weight loss of 15 pounds per year. If you don't want to wait a year to shed the excess weight, consider cutting more calories from your daily intake.

  However, cutting too many calories can reverse the desired effect. According to Dr. George Blackburn of Harvard Medical School, and an authority on obesity, cutting too many calories places the body into starvation mode, and the body's natural reaction is to hold onto what calories you give it. Therefore, shedding weight won't be the reaction, instead it can cause you to gain weight in the long run. Eating sensibly is the best way to maintain weight, and staying away from fad diets that promise a loss of 15 pounds in a matter of days is strongly recommended. These may seem very appealing, but often the desired result can set you back further.

Exercise

• Exercise is great for your body, regardless of whether or not you have weight to lose. Exercise provides you with energy, oxygen and helps to improve circulation in your body. According to Dr. Blackburn, the recommended amount of daily exercise is 30 minutes four times per week. However, not everyone can make that commitment, so he suggests doing a variety of activities that still get your heart pumping. Walking the dog, dancing to music, and walking whenever possible can help you burn the extra calories needed to lose 15 pounds. The goal of exercise is to burn excess calories, and in order to lose weight, you must burn more calories than you consume. That is why a healthy diet with lower calories and more exercise will help you achieve your 15-pound weight loss goal faster, healthier and for the long term.

Mental Preparation

• Mental preparation for your weight loss journey is just as important as diet and exercise. Keeping a positive attitude and having faith in your ability to lose the weight is half the battle. Remind yourself that regardless of the pace of your weight loss, you are doing something great for your body, and that alone is worth the effort. You may not be able to notice every small change, but realize that your body is taking leaps with every step you take and every bite you don't. Set small goals and reward yourself with small, non-food motivated items when you reach them. Don't wait to congratulate yourself until you've lost the entire 15 pounds. Remember that you are doing yourself good, and that every pound counts.