But I Wanna Lose Weight FAST! — The Liberated Eater

Is there an optimal rate of weight-release?

This is a great question. And the answer depends on your ultimate goal. If your goal is to lose weight and never gain it back again, there is, in fact, an optimal rate.

Let’s look at why it’s optimal before we talk numbers…

Releasing weight at this rate is best because:

Most bodies can only lose 2-3 pounds of body fat per month. If you’re losing weight faster than that, the rest is likely to be lean muscle and water. Losing muscle will slow your weight release long term.
You have time to adopt new patterns, the ones that will empower you to maintain your new lower weight. Without a new lifestyle we will continue the old exhausting diet-blow-it-diet-blow-it cycle.
You have enough energy - to work, play, raise kids, wash the dog, enjoy your friends and family.
You only have to do it once. Restrictive dieting will be faster, but must be repeated continually for the rest of your life.
You get enough fuel so you’re not grumpy and wilted.
It does not raise your anxiety level.
It does not slow your metabolism.
It does not upset your body and brain chemistry, causing you to prowl for food – especially carbohydrates.
It does not trigger cravings.
It does not require doing, buying, eating or drinking weird stuff, unless you really want to.
It lets you off the crazy lose-it-gain-it roller coaster. The research is clear: If we lose weight quickly we regain it in about the same amount of time it took us to lose it.

There’s more, but that’s a good start.

And now for the numbers: The ideal rate of weight release is about one half pound per week. Certainly many people release more than that initially but one half pound a week over the long haul is best for your body, metabolism, mind, energy level, brain chemistry, long term health, relationship with food and body - and best for those who live with you (including yourself).

Yes, I know this means it might take months or even years. But this way you will actually get where you're going and be able to stay there.

This bears repeating: Yes, you can actually get to a comfortable weight and stay there.

Please – do yourself a favor - stop thinking fast and start thinking permanent. Stop thinking drastic and start thinking life-style.

You will not only reach your goals and keep them, but you’ll feel great while you’re getting there!

If you love research here are some places to explore on this subject:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18568379

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/lessons-from-the-biggest-loser