How Much Weight Can You Safely Lose In A Month?
Discover the four pillars of sustainable weight loss along with top science-backed tips to help you safely lose weight in a month.
Are you feeling like you’re carrying a bit of extra weight around? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
In fact, according to CDC, nearly half of the American population is struggling with obesity or being overweight.
We get it, you want to slim down and you want to do it fast. But let’s face it, shedding those extra pounds isn’t a quick fix.
It takes time and effort to see results, and the more weight you want to lose, the longer it’ll take.
However, there’s good news! Scientists shared some helpful insights into how you can safely and quickly shed those extra pounds.
First, we’ll cover how much weight you can realistically expect to lose in a month. Then, we’ll share some top tips for losing weight safely and sustainably.
How Weight Loss Works
If you want to lose weight, there’s one key thing you need to focus on: calories.
Calories are like fuel for our bodies. They give us the energy we need to do everything from thinking to breathing to running a marathon (okay, maybe not that last one for everyone).
There are three main types of calories in the foods we eat: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. And most foods have a mix of all three, which we call macronutrients. This is what we mean when we talk about “calories in.”
But that’s not the whole story. We also have “calories out.” This is the energy we burn through things like exercise and just going about our day-to-day lives.
Now here’s the important part: if we take in more calories than we burn, we gain weight. And if we burn more calories than we take in, we lose weight.
Simple, right? Well, as they say, easier said than done!
Let’s face it, losing weight is tough. It takes a lot of effort and commitment to shed those pounds.
But if you want to do it safely, there are some important things you need to keep in mind.
The Four Pillars Of Sustainable Weight Loss
Here are the factual and evidence-based things that science has taught us about weight loss:
1. Slow And Steady Wins The Race
We all want to lose weight fast, but slow and steady wins the race, my friends!
When we lose weight gradually, we’re more likely to lose fat and keep our muscle mass intact. But if we lose weight too quickly, we can end up looking “skinny fat“, which is not a good look for anyone!
So, how do we do this slow and steady weight loss thing? Well, it’s recommended to reduce your calorie intake by about 500-1000 calories per day, depending on how much weight you want to lose.
That translates to about 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week. It may not sound like much, but trust us, it adds up over time!
2. Fad Diets Aren’t Necessary
If you tried to read every single diet book out there, you’d be stuck reading for the rest of your life!
There are just so many fad diets out there promising the world – instant weight loss, long-term results, you name it.
But let’s be real, most of these diets are either unsafe, based on dodgy science, or both.
Sure, low-carb, low-fat, and other diets might help you drop some pounds. But the real trick is that they all work by creating a calorie deficit.
Basically, you need to burn more calories than you consume. It’s as simple as that!
3. You Can’t Out-Exercise A Bad Diet
You might think that you can eat whatever you want and just exercise like crazy to shed the extra pounds. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that’s usually a recipe for disaster!
To lose weight through exercise alone, you’d have to really push yourself to the limit. We’re talking sweat-dripping, heart-pumping, “I might pass out” levels of intensity. And even then, it’s not a guarantee.
In reality, most people who try to rely on exercise to make up for a poor diet end up hurting themselves and slowing down their progress.
So let’s be smart about this and focus on a healthy balance of both diet and exercise.
4. Realistic Goals Are Critically Important
Let’s face it, when it comes to losing weight, we all have different bodies and different goals.
While it might be tempting to shoot for the stars and aim for that Hollywood ideal, it’s important to be realistic and set goals that are achievable for YOU.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at your BMI (body mass index) and ideal body weight. These factors can help you figure out what a healthy weight range looks like for your unique body.
From there, you can set goals that are safe, realistic, and sustainable.
Remember, the journey to a healthier you is a marathon, not a sprint. So let’s pace ourselves and focus on steady progress, one step at a time!
How Much Weight Can You Safely Lose In A Month?
Alright, let’s break this down: slow and steady wins the weight loss race.
According to health experts, losing one to two pounds per week is a safe and sustainable goal for most people.
That means in a month, you could shed 4 to 8 pounds of body fat.
Now, you’re not going to magically transform into a supermodel overnight, but you will gradually see changes in your body composition.
Plus, taking it slow will give your body time to adjust to the new habits you’re forming. No sudden shocks to the system here!
Tips To Lose Weight In A Month
Let’s take a look at some science-backed tips for losing weight safely in 30 days:
1. Eat Whole Foods
Giving up processed, chemical-laden foods can be a challenge for anyone trying to lose weight. PB&J breakfast, anyone?
Sandwiches, pizza, burgers, and anything made from more than two ingredients should be excluded from your diet. All these processed foods tend to be high in calories and low in nutrients.
Instead, opt for one-ingredient whole foods like meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These foods are nutrient-dense and will help you feel fuller on fewer calories.
2. Drink Your Calories Wisely
Sodas and alcoholic drinks can add up to a significant amount of calories to your diet.
Swapping out sugary drinks for water or unsweetened tea can help you achieve a calorie deficit.
Plus, cutting out sugary drinks has numerous other health benefits such as:
- Lower risk of diabetes and heart disease;
- Whiter teeth;
- Properly hydrated;
- Healthier skin with fewer breakouts.
3. Cook Your Own Food
Cooking your own meals is the best way to know exactly what you’re eating and control your calorie intake.
Restaurants often add extra oil, salt, and condiments to enhance the taste of their meals, and calories add up.
While eating out occasionally is fine, limit your restaurant visits to stay on track with your weight loss goals.
4. Stay Active
While exercise shouldn’t be your sole method for weight loss, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can help you burn more calories.
Walking, cycling, swimming, or any other form of exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall health.
By making sustainable lifestyle changes like these, you can achieve your weight loss goals without sacrificing your health or happiness.
Conclusion
Losing weight can be tough. It’s like a never-ending game of dodgeball, with tempting treats and snacks flying at you from all angles. And let’s be real, sometimes you’ll get hit, fall down, and have to sit out a round.
But here’s the good news: as long as you keep getting back up, you’ll make progress. You’ll develop healthy habits that will help you reach your goal weight and stay there.
So, keep on dodging those sugary treats and soon enough, you’ll be the champion of your own health and fitness.
