How to Lose 20 Pounds in 2 Weeks Safely

Weight Loss Tips

It's possible to lose weight in two weeks—cutting bloat, fat and water weight without using a juice fast or starvation diet. The key to this weight-loss regimen is to stick to a small group of foods—all lean proteins, healthy fats and whole grains. Create portions that will keep your calorie intake between 900 and 1,200 calories, depending on your size. For taste, use salt sparingly and season with pepper, small amounts of olive oil and lemon juice. Drink only green tea, plain water or lemon water. A low-sodium diet helps banish water weight and bloat; the lean protein revs up the metabolism, allowing for maximum calorie burn; and short bursts of cardio fuel the calorie burn without taxing the body too much.

Breakfast

Eat either 1 cup of whole-grain cereal with almond milk, 1 cup of yogurt flavored with honey and mixed berries, or an egg-white omelet cooked with chopped spinach and tomato for breakfast.

Lunch

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Consume a low-calorie, high-energy lunch of either 4 oz. of grilled chicken breast with 1 cup of chopped cucumbers and tomatoes, two hard-boiled eggs with celery and carrot sticks, or 4 oz. of lean turkey with carrots and cherry tomatoes.

Dinner

Eat a balanced dinner, choosing one of the following options: 5 to 8 oz. of grilled flank steak with chopped salad, 6 oz. of grilled chicken with 1 cup of steamed spinach, or 5 oz. of grilled or baked salmon with 1 cup of steamed spinach. Try this flavorful and easy-to-make baked salmon recipe.

Snacks

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Eat two snacks each day. Snacks can include 1 cup of mixed berries, a 5-oz. serving of sugar-free gelatin, 20 almonds, or 1 cup of avocado sliced and served with lemon and a small pinch of salt.

Exercise

Exercise daily in short bursts of high-intensity cardio. Warm up your body for exercise. Lightly jog in place for one minute. Complete one minute of shoulder circles by swiftly rotating your shoulders in a counterclockwise motion.

Jump Rope

Jump rope for five to 10 minutes twice a day.

Run

Run on a treadmill or running path for 20 minutes or complete 20 minutes of a high-intensity workout DVD. Your target heart rate should be above 150 beats per minute.

Cool Down

Cool down with light stretching to help relax muscles and stop buildup of lactic acid in your legs.

More Weight Loss Ideas & Inspiration

For more weight loss and wellness ideas and inspiration, check out these articles:

• 10 Best Foods to Eat to Lose Weight
• 6 Bedtime Snacks That Help You Burn Fat... And Sleep Well, Too!
• How to (Safely) Lose 10 Pounds in One Week
• How to Safely Do a One Day Lemon Cleansing Diet
• How to Lose Belly Fat
• How to Burn Fat Without Exercise
• Easy to Make Healthy Meals

Warning

Do not consume any alcohol or calorie-laden beverages. Do not do more than 20 minutes of cardio a day, as the calorie consumption is not enough to maintain extended exercise. Consult a doctor if you have any existing health problems before starting this or any diet. Do not continue this short-term weight loss program for more than 14 days. This type of diet and exercise program is designed for the short term; regular diet and exercise is advised after the two week period.