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One Week Very Low Calorie Diet

It's been known for years that one way to quick weight loss is cutting back on calories. But limiting calories doesn't necessarily mean starving yourself. It just means being selective about your food choices and planning your meals. Done properly, you can lose weight in as little as one week.

  1. Break for Breakfast

    • Regardless of which diet you follow, breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, providing fuel for the morning and keeping you from overeating later. There are many options for a low-calorie breakfast--from low-fat yogurt with a piece of fruit (about 140 calories) to a cup of oatmeal (about 150 calories) to high-fiber, low-sugar cereal such as Total or Special K (about 220 calories with skim milk, strawberries and low-cal sweetener).

    Grab a Snack

    • The best diets, even those that stress limiting caloric intake, feature smaller meals more frequently throughout the day (as opposed to three larger meals). So even if you are counting calories, your best bet is to eat every three hours to keep your energy level high. A low-calorie snack such as an apple (typically around 50 calories) or even a protein shake (190 calories for a can of Slim-Fast) can do the trick.

    Go Light on Lunch

    • There doesn't need to be anything fancy about grabbing a filling, low-calorie lunch. A good old-fashioned salad may be your best bet. Some leafy green lettuce topped with carrots, cucumbers, broccoli and low-fat dressing (hold the croutons and cheese) comes in at less than 200 calories. You can add a tablespoon of low-fat tuna for protein. In the event you're on the run, try a Fruit N' Yogurt Parfait from McDonald's and a side of apple dippers (about 160 calories, minus the caramel dipping sauce).

    Snack Time Again

    • In the event you just can't bear to eat another piece of fruit, protein bars are are low in calories and fairly filling. South Beach Living Breakfast Bars come in a variety of flavors--from peanut butter to maple nut. They are typically no more than 140 calories apiece.

    Dig In at Dinner

    • Dinner tends to be the largest meal of the day for most people, and while it can still be tasty, it should not be too much bigger than the day's previous meals. One rule to follow is each serving should be about the size of your fist. Healthy low-calorie choices include skinless broiled chicken or grilled salmon (about 45 calories per ounce each). Add a little low-fat dressing for flavor (make sure it's no more than 50 calories per tablespoon) and a side of cooked vegetables (fresh, not frozen or canned).

    Add It Up

    • With this plan, you will consume less than 1,000 calories per day, and in some instances, considerably less. Coupled with regular exercise and six to eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day, you will shed pounds in as a little as a week and likely feel noticeably healthier.

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