What is a Reasonable Weight Loss Expectation Over 4 Weeks?

[Anonymous]

We are going to the beach the week of July 20th. I gave started at 125, gave birth at 178 and now weigh 139. I'd like to lose ten pounds. The real issue is that I am "mooshy" all over. There is no tone anywhere. Just cellulite. What has worked for you? I dont expect a miracle in 4 weeks but if I could drop ten pounds and tone just a tiny bit I would be so happy. Should I go weights? Walking? Squats? Anything you can recommend would be more than motivating. I am watching what I eat and have lost 5 pounds in the last few weeks. Watching my eating isn't cutting it at this point and I know I need to do more in the way of exercise. I walk everyday with DC but need to add something else that works! Help!

[Anonymous]

Try upping the walking to jogging. Start with 10 minutes each day (don't stop whatever you do - even if you have to slow down), and then increasing 5 mins or so per week.

A reasonable expectation for weight loss per week (and healthy) is about 2lbs... If you keep your calories between 1200 and 1500 per day you'll probably lose about 2lbs per week... especially with the increased exercise

[Anonymous]

PP here - as a clarification- when I said upping to jogging - I meant jog for 10 mins and then continue to walk for the rest of the time you usally walk.

[Anonymous]

Continue to diet but you have to ramp up your exercise. You can't lose by just walking. Cardio is important but also add weight training to your workout. It makes a world of difference - you might not see a difference in the scale - but your clothes will be looser.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Try upping the walking to jogging. Start with 10 minutes each day (don't stop whatever you do - even if you have to slow down), and then increasing 5 mins or so per week.

A reasonable expectation for weight loss per week (and healthy) is about 2lbs... If you keep your calories between 1200 and 1500 per day you'll probably lose about 2lbs per week... especially with the increased exercise

I'm not the OP, but I really like this advice. I am someone who needs to lose some weight as well and am terribly out of shape. However, I am an active person, as I do lots of gardening and do walk often. So you think on your plan it would be doable to go from no running at all to running 35min straight after 6 weeks?

I do know running is the BEST way to drop weight fast. I did it before my wedding and my gown almost did not fit anymore after all the weight I lost in the few weeks between fittings and alterations.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the jogging, but you don't have to go 10 minutes straight. If you look at the Cool Running Couch Potato to 5k website, it recommends interval training. Basically starting out with just 60 seconds of running with 90 seconds of walking and to keep alternating those intervals for at least 20 minutes. By 4 weeks they'll have you running a mile and a half (16 minutes). I've found that running really helps to tone my whole body the way that walking didn't. In addition, you'll burn more calories running the same distance that you walk even though you do it in less time.

[Anonymous]

I would definitely add some strength training, that will help with the mush. I do squats in the shower and try to do abs and push ups before bed...even if it's just a bit it's better than nothing!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for all the great advice. I walked around the lake twice today. Woo hoo! I have to find the time to do weights. I have no am help with the baby and at night I am exhausted. Ugh I feel grea that I walked so far. Hopefully this will pay off.