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On ending previous conversation will be lost.Losing weight quickly is a goal for many people looking to drop pounds for an upcoming event or as motivation to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. While slow and steady weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week is recommended for most people, some may be looking for more dramatic short-term drops in weight.
Is it possible to lose 5kg (about 11 pounds) in just 5 days? With extreme diet and exercise changes, some people may be able to achieve this amount of weight loss in a week. However, there are important health considerations to keep in mind.
This post will provide a comprehensive 5 day plan for losing up to 5kg through a structured meal plan, exercise regime and other lifestyle tips. It also offers guidance on maintaining weight loss, evaluating if such rapid loss is sensible, and using coolsculpting as a complementary procedure for reducing small fat pockets.
The first day of any weight loss plan focuses on hydration and reducing calorie intake to kickstart fat burning. Here is a sample 1200 calorie day 1 diet:
Breakfast: Black coffee or tea with no sugar. 1/2 grapefruit or 1 small orange. The citrus fruit provides vitamin C and fiber. Coffee acts as an appetite suppressant.
Lunch: Large salad with assorted lettuce greens, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, 1 hard boiled egg, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice dressing. You get a nutrition packed meal full of volume but little calories.
Snack: 1 medium apple with 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter. The fruit and nuts offer protein and healthy fats to keep you full.
Dinner: 150g grilled chicken breast with steamed non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, asparagus, or green beans. Have an unsweetened herbal tea like green tea. Season food with spices and herbs instead of calorie laden sauces.
You will also need to drink at least 2 liters of water through the day to stay properly hydrated. You can have unsweetened black coffee or tea too. Cutting out high calorie beverages is key.
This sample day 1 diet provides under 1200 calories, focused on lean proteins, produce, healthy fats and fiber. This calorie deficit will lead to initial rapid water weight loss.
Exercise is essential to burn additional calories and prevent loss of muscle when in a calorie deficit. Here are the exercise recommendations for day 1:
AM: Go for a brisk 30 minute walk or light jog outside or on the treadmill. Getting in an early morning workout provides energy and elevates metabolism for the day.
PM: Do a circuit of bodyweight strength exercises like squats, lunges, pushups, planks, for 3 sets of 15 reps with little rest between exercises. The strength training helps retain and build calorie burning lean muscle. Follow it up with some stretching and foam rolling to help reduce muscle soreness.
In addition to diet and exercise, some lifestyle adjustments can further spur weight loss on day 1:
With calorie deficit, exercise, and these lifestyle tips, you can expect to lose up to 1kg of water weight and fat by the morning of day 2.
Here is a sample 1100 calorie diet plan for day 2:
Breakfast: 2 boiled egg whites scrambled with a bit of spinach and mushrooms. Enjoy with 1/2 grapefruit on the side.
Lunch: Tuna salad made with 1 can of tuna fish, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, lettuce greens, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions.
Snack: 1 cup fresh blueberries. Pair with 1 ounce unsalted almonds or walnuts.
Dinner: 150g grilled salmon with a side of roasted asparagus and Brussels sprouts.
Continue to drink at least 2 liters of water and opt for unsweetened iced tea if needed. Avoid sugary drinks and liquid calories.
This meal plan provides protein, healthy fats and plenty of fiber. The calorie deficit will continue to promote rapid fat burning.
Here is the exercise plan for day 2:
AM: Do 45 minutes of HIIT (high intensity interval training). This involves alternating 30 seconds of sprinting or fast calisthenics with 1 minute of walking or slow movements to recover. This spikes metabolism and burns more fat.
PM: Focus on lower body moves like squats, lunges, calf raises, leg lifts. Do 3 sets of 15 reps, allowing little rest between exercises. Finish with some yoga poses or stretching for flexibility.
Adding activity in the morning and evening further increases calorie deficit for accelerated weight loss.
With the diet, exercise and lifestyle habits on track, you can expect to lose up to 1-2kg by the morning of day 3.
Here is the meal plan for day 3:
Breakfast: Chia seed pudding prepared the night before with almond milk, chia seeds, cinnamon and vanilla. Enjoy with 1/2 cup mixed berries.
Lunch: Large spinach salad topped with baked chicken breast, avocado, diced bell peppers, shredded carrots and chickpeas. Dress with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Snack: Celery sticks topped with 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter.
Dinner: Vegetarian burrito bowl made with brown rice, black beans, sautéed peppers and onions, guacamole, salsa and spinach.
Have at least 2 liters of water and opt for green or peppermint tea.
This is around 1100 calories following a balanced diet of lean proteins, complex carbs, healthy fats and ample fiber.
Here is the workout plan for day 3:
AM: Go for a 45-60 minute swim or try a water aerobics class for pool exercises. The water provides a low impact form of cardio that is gentle on the joints.
PM: Focus on upper body moves like push-ups, shoulder presses, bicep curls, lateral raises. Do 3 sets of 15 reps of each. Stretch the shoulders, chest and arms after.
You can expect to lose around 0.5-1kg by morning of day 4.
Breakfast - Veggie omelette made with 2 egg whites, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and bell peppers. Have melon cubes on the side.
Lunch - Quinoa tabbouleh salad made with quinoa, chickpeas, parsley, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onion and dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Snack - Plain Greek yogurt mixed with raw unsalted almonds, cinnamon and a bit of maple syrup.
Dinner - Baked cod topped with sliced almonds and lemon, with sides of sautéed kale and roasted sweet potato.
Have at least 2 liters of water through the day. Can also have dandelion tea which acts as a natural diuretic to reduce bloating.
This diet plan provides around 1200 calories.
AM: Go for a brisk 60 minute outdoor hill walk or use the incline function on the treadmill. This intensely works the glutes, thighs and calves.
PM: Do a total body circuit alternating cardio bursts like jumping jacks with strength moves like squats, pushups, lunges. Go for 15-30 seconds of work followed by short rests.
You can expect to lose another 0.5-1 kg by day 5 morning if following plan consistently.
Breakfast - Veggie scramble with 2 egg whites, spinach, mushrooms, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes.
Lunch - Baked chicken breast with roasted cauliflower and broccoli. Enjoy a side salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
Snack - 1 medium apple sliced and topped with 1 tablespoon almond butter.
Dinner - Salmon baked in parchment paper with asparagus and lemon slices. Paired with 1/2 cup quinoa.
Have 2+ liters of water and green tea if needed.
About 1100 calories in this meal plan. Last day of calorie restriction!
AM: Go for a 45-60 minute jog or bike ride outside or use cardio machines at the gym. Maintain an elevated heart rate in fat burning zone.
PM: Take a light yoga or pilates class focused on full body stretching and alignment. This allows body to recover after intense exercise all week.
By morning of day 6, you can expect you have lost 3-5kg of water weight and fat following this rigorous plan.
If attempting rapid weight loss, keep these safety tips in mind:
While losing 5kg in a week is possible with extreme discipline, keeping weight off requires permanent lifestyle adjustments:
Losing 5kg or 11 pounds in just 5 days equates to a deficit of 3,500 calories per day, or close to 1kg per day. This is extremely challenging to achieve or sustain healthfully.
While some people may lose 2-3kg of water weight and body fat with an intensive low calorie diet and exercise regimen, most health experts warn against attempting such rapid weight loss.
Here are considerations on the safety of quick weight loss:
For optimal fat loss and fitness gains, aim to lose weight at a gradual pace of 0.5-1kg per week. Focus on sustainable diet, exercise and lifestyle habits for lasting results.
If you have isolated pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise, nonsurgical fat reduction options like CoolSculpting may complement your weight loss efforts. Here is an overview: