Success in weight loss eludes several people on a daily basis. Trying to reach a maintain a foal of two pounds a week can be impossible for some. It is possible to lose weight very quickly, through diet and exercise and have visible results. While is possible,  is there a point were excessive weight loss can become bad for the body? Certainly putting your body through such rapid changes can have it’s negative effect.

The acceptable weight loss per week is approximately two pounds. Remember in order to loose weight safely, the body has to be able to adapt to the weight you are losing which in turn means the body needs time to compensate. If this method is unachievable so many individuals choose to with hold meals, and avoid eating. These “starvation” diets work initially but when  food is reintroduced  the weight re gains and usually in excess of what was primarily the problem.  Cutting calories by that much and making a habit of it can also lead to certain eating disorders such as anorexia which can have very damaging end results, even death.

The best way to lose 2 pounds a week effectively and healthily is by trying to cut your caloric intake by 1000 calories per day, this seems to be the recommended average. Since 3500 calories equals 1 pound of fat, 7000 calories is 2 pounds that you would have no eaten throughout your week. This, combined with eating the right food and doing regular exercise should get you to the 2 pounds per week that is projected for success. If you have just started your workouts and dieting, take it slow. This type of adjustment to your routine can be very difficult to commit too. Rushing can only serve to complicate matters so take it one day at a time . Setting unrealistic goals for eating and exercising is counterproductive. Make the adjustments you need and stick to them, don’t try to over do it, or it will have a negative effect.

One of the biggest key elements is to stay positive. If you don’t give yourself the right encouragement you won’t continue. If the two pounds don’t happen to come off every week and you see perhaps one or half a pound don’t beat yourself up. Tomorrow is another day and not a reason to give up entirely. Don’t let one day ruin all your progress. Some times our bodies need a recharge, or there can be another issue why your week hasn’t gone according to plan. Not to worry, leave that day behind and begin again for your success to really happen. To many individuals fall off the tracks because  they have hit a bump. Slow and steady wins the race!