How do you guys lose so much so fast?

[DesperateToLose]

Hi All! I just started Phen on Saturday. I received it from my doc who will only give me a prescription for 3 months. I want to make the most of these three months, and am confused about all the info out there about how best to do it. I've seen so many people say they have lost 20 and 30 pounds in a month. I would love to do that (my ultimate goal is to lose 80 pounds), but how does everyone do it?

I'm not sure how much or how little I should eat or how much to exercise. I've read that exercising too much and/or eating too little will lead to slowed weight loss. I've also read that eating fewer calories on a short term basis will not hurt - that you have to be literally starving for a longer period of time for your body to go into "starvation mode." I've also read that you can eat fewer calories if you keep switching it up so your body doesn't get used to a certain amount of calories or a certain amount of exercise.

I'm on Jenny Craig and meet a trainer 3 days a week with additional cardio on the other days. Should I just keep doing that? I'm really unsure of how to go about doing this and I really want to make the most of these three months. Any advice anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

[Unico]

you really can't compare yourself to other people unless they have the same amount of weight to lose as you. A person who has 150lbs to lose is going to lose alot faster than someone who has 50lbs to lose.

I'm currently doing the "switch it up" routine. Mostly following the special K diet with a healthy choice meal but sometimes I might add a snack for extra calories. I may fast one day. I'm doing the 3 day apple detox this weekend. Just anything to not let my body get used to this. I've never done Jenny Craig but if it's working for you stick with that. Every person is going to be different. You just have to experiment to find what suites you.

As far a making the most of it...
1)Try your hardest not to cheat. Never trade what you want for the moment for what you want most. That brownie may look good but wouldn't you rather look good?

2) Water, Water, Water, and just when you think you'll float away, More water. You would not believe how much difference this makes

3)Any chance you get to burn calories take it. Park as far away as possible, take the stairs, pace on the phone, anything to keep moving.

Other than that pushing yourself with your workouts. This is all basic stuff you've probably heard a million times. But I guess the reason we heard them a million times is because they work. Other than that I think the main goal is to really change the way you are eating. That is why I didn't allow myself to do slim-fast or nutri-system because I knew after I lost the weight I wouldn't want to keep ordering the food and then I'd probably gain it back. Whatever you choose, choose to make it a lifelong choice.

Good luck!

[cns2006]

And the number one best thing that will help, is a routine that you can stick with. Anything that is too hard to stick too or that you don't enjoy will end in failure. Set yourself realistic goals. The routine that you are following sounds great, stick with it! And by the way, Welcome to the boards! You will find lots of friendly supportive people! Good luck with your weight loss!