I need to lose a lot fat in 18 DAYS. Willing to follow an extreme plan!

[The Albert]

Greetings to all of you. With ups and downs I've been reading the bb.com forums for a few years but as I'm in trouble now, I finally decided to create an account and ask for advice.

I tried to make my post as detailed as possible, but as I seem to enjoy writing, it's probably so long that at least some of you won't read the whole of it.

Thus, I decided to ask my question in the beginning of the post and be very straight-forward:

With all due respect I know that you're not supposed to give unhealthy advice. However, my body is used to weight swings and I'm REALLY motivated to do whatever would be the most efficient. As I'll be singing in front of about 25% of the population of my country on the national television in 18 days, I'll do anything to look as much leaner as possible on that day!
I've got a bicycle, I can run, I can do HIIT, I've got a gym membership. I'm also more than willing to drop anything from my diet. I can spend money for supplements.
Just, please - give me your best advice - no matter if it's not the healthiest thing to do. I'm just 18 and have no health problems!
What would YOU do if you wanted to get as fit as possible in 18 days? You know, superstars sometimes do it.. why can't I?


Here comes my whole story:

To begin with, I'm very well aware that cutting a lot of fat in such a short time can't possibly be healthy. I also already have some previous experience with losing weight - about two years ago I joined a gym, started working out 3 times a week and eating pretty much only dairy products, chicken and a few other food products with high protein, low carbs and very low fats.
When I started this, I weighed a damn 232 lbs (at about 6,1 ft). In just six months of not-so-hard-work (I still drank alcohol, cheated once in a while, skipped the gym work-outs etc) I was really surprised and proud to see that I had managed to lose nearly 50 pounds and gain some muscle - I now weighed 185 lbs.


As I had lost nearly 50 pounds over just six months, I decided to take a short break from gym and quite a strict diet (even though I was far from cut) about 1,5 years ago. Yes, you're right - I've been "starting to work out and eating healthy again next week" for the 1,5 years now. What's even worse, I graduated from highschool this year and I've been heavily drinking for up to 4-5 times a week absolutely not caring what to eat (McDonald's, pizza.. well, you name it) for the last three months.


Lately, my mother has been joking that I'll soon be looking what I used to two years ago ("well, duh, I know that I've re-gained 15-20 lbs, but that's not 50, right?").
Besides that, I'd noticed that I've lost A LOT of the confidence I gained after losing the 50 pounds two years ago ("oh, well.. I'll lose another 30-40lbs soon!").
When I went shopping a few weeks ago, I noticed that my waist size has gone from 33 to 36. ("crap.. well, I'll deal with it after summer")
Then.. even one of my friends told me: "Damn.. you should start moving yourself.. you've gained a lot of weight"
AND.. my father: "Eeek.. you're fat again"

Now that started to make me think. However, in about 20 seconds of serious brainwork I realized there's no way I could skip all the great parties and festivals that mean 3-4 days of straight drinking and eating french fries and sausage or nothing at all. "So.. autumn it must be", I thought.


Now comes the bomb.. As music is pretty much the most important thing in my life and I've been dreaming of becoming a singer for some time now, I signed up for a contest that is held once a year on the national television of my country AND I just received a letter inviting me to perform on 20th August.
Great, huh!?
A short glimpse towards the mirror. "Heck, my face is as round as ever!"
Not to mention my belly which is as round and large as the Earth.
As "good" thing usually come in threes - television is known to add at least 10 pounds to one's weight.

I rushed to the bathroom to find out the awful truth. I had not re-gained 15-20lbs as I had thought. I weighed 217lbs and over the 1,5 years have definitely lost decent amount of muscle - make your own calculations.


I'd be extremely thankful for any kind of help. As I've already mentioned - I'm willing to drop everything else just to get as lean as possible and re-gain my confidence for the event. I'm willing to do extreme stuff, if that helps. I've been on a diet - it was NOTHING - could've handled A LOT more strict one. However, I don't have six months this time.


Thank you again,
The Albert

[pittsburgh_muscle25]

your body can only burn a max of 1 lb per week so any excess weight your burning would just be muscle. Theres really nothing you can do in 18 days to make any real changes. And being an idiot and asking things like Ill do anything even if its not healthy just shows your lazy and trying to take the easy way out. My advice; Should've started training months ago.

[MikeAaronB]

Sorry, but you're screwed.

[VitaminX]

The most extreme thing I would recommend would be something like the velocity diet. Realistically, you're best off beginning a diet plan now; in 18 days you will probably shed a couple of pounds of water and fat which will help a little.

The important thing to keep in mind is that no matter how extreme you are willing to go, the body is not a machine that can have fat forced off of it. 18 days is just not a lot of time but you can put the steps in motion that will have you looking great months from now. I know this is not what you want to hear but it's the most reasonable advice that I can give.

[gtaguy]

your body can only burn a max of 1 lb per week so any excess weight your burning would just be muscle

Everything I've heard in that regards is false. I've heard its possible to shed up to 3 lb's of Fat a week in optimum circumstances. The possibility of shedding muscle mass in bigger proportions is there, but the stuff I've seen online leads me to believe that with pure dedication and having a high BF% would allow someone to reasonably try and lose 3 lb's of fat per week.

That said, in three and a half weeks, you can realistically only expect to lose about ten pounds of fat even with a lot of effort.

Good luck, but there are no quick solutions to losing weight.

[HeLiu]

Originally Posted by gtaguy

Everything I've heard in that regards is false. I've heard its possible to shed up to 3 lb's of Fat a week in optimum circumstances. The possibility of shedding muscle mass in bigger proportions is there, but the stuff I've seen online leads me to believe that with pure dedication and having a high BF% would allow someone to reasonably try and lose 3 lb's of fat per week.

That said, in three and a half weeks, you can realistically only expect to lose about ten pounds of fat even with a lot of effort.

Good luck, but there are no quick solutions to losing weight.

true have u ever seen the biggest loser?

[TheNewestGuy]

If you kick the living crap out of yourself you might lose 8-10 pounds of fat in that time. Like, in an extreme scenario.

Other than that, it's too late. You might focus on dropping your water weight a few days before, other than that it's another lesson in why you should do things slow and steady.

[kokings]

If you absolutely go crazy for the next 18 days and do every extreme diet and workout possible, you might lose like 10 pounds (most of which will be water)

BUT... if you already a big guy, do you really think those 10 pounds are gonna make a difference in your appearance? No. Just go out there and be confident, and start doing a healthy diet and workout and slowly lose it and create a better body the right way.

[blueguitar322]

You're not in a good position...but you've admitted that. I won't pile on with the "screwed" comments. So, with a goal to make a salad that doesn't taste totally like chicken &$*#, here's what I'd suggest.

- Eat some form of low-carb diet, SUPER SUPER clean (no sugars, no fruit, very very picky about what you eat, lots of protein, and ~20% healthy fats). Basically, you'll want to do a Keto diet (almost no carbs) EXCEPT immediately before and after your cardio, as your body will need some form of energy replentishment with as hard as you'll be working. Overall, try to keep your carb intake <30%, with 2/3 of those coming immediately before/after workouts.
- Don't dip below 1300-1500 calories or so per day. Any lower probably won't do much extra good, but you'll REALLY screw yourself for afterwords even more than you already will be.
- DEFINATELY spread out your calories into smaller meals...aim for eating 5-6 small meals per day. 5 meals * 300 calories/meal is a good starting point.
- On your 8th day of this program, eat an extra 500-700 calories, including lots more carbs and VERY VERY LITTLE fat. Think 50-60% carbs, <10% fat. This will not only help your metabolism, but it will help maintain rapid weight loss for the next 10 days.
- Drink TONS and TONS of water. Try for ~1.5-2 gal per day. You DON'T want to be holding extra water weight. If your body isn't afraid of dehydration, it will be more willing to lose the extra water retention you're probably carrying. Water will also help your hunger pains, cause you're gonna have 'em.
- Do ~45min of medium intensity cardio each day - preferably 2x a day if you can (morning/evening). Double the cardio = double the loss (it's actually not that linear, but it can come close)
- Get extra sleep each night. 8 hours minimum.
- Do some moderate lifting 2-3x a week - basically just enough to push your muscles. Hopefully this will help you hang onto your muscle.
- Be aware that - in exchange for this rapid loss - you might give yourself another 6mo of work in your quest for a fit body.
- Read up on what bodybuilders and fitness models do the week before the show. Steal any tips you think might help, but be aware that their physiques (and goals) are quite different and some things might not work well for you.
- Think positive. Confidence changes your appearence for the better more losing whatever weight you'll be able to lose. One of the reasons why weight loss success stories get so many positive compliments is because they carry that confidence, achievement and joy with them - and it's contagious.
- MOST IMPORTANT: change your lifestyle once this is over. Start by re-feeding (search for more info) with lots of healthy carbs. Eat at maintenence for a week or two to refresh your metabolism, and then find a plan and stick with it so this doesn't happen again. If you truly learn from the lesson, the lesson - even though painful - is almost always worth it.

I would also suggest going to www.johnstonefitness.com, looking at his pics for motivation (he lost weight FAST) and also for examples of what he ate. You can't get more disciplined then him...and he's certainly the absolute upper tier of what is genetically possible...so if you get similar results, you're doing phenominally well.

My guess is that, best-case scenario, you're looking at 3.5 lb/wk of fat (~8.5lb total) and maybe 10lb of water weight / lean mass. In this case, your height helps you out. I'm 6'3" and (using similarly poor methods, before I knew any better) I've lost 15lb in 14 days.

AND there's always the option of sucking it up (and sucking it in!) and making changes the safe, healthy way and letting this appearance be what it may.

Best of luck, mate...

[depratercm]

When my dad was in the Navy he gotta a hold of a program from one of his doctors. It's a 3 day program (don't call it a diet) meant for overweight heart patient going into surgery that need to lose weight.

This program work 10lbs in 3 days . . . 3 days on 4 days off.

Day 1

Breakfast
1/2 Grapefruit
1 slcie of toast
2 teaspoons peanutbutter

Lunch
1/2 cup tuna
1 slice of toast

Dinner
2 pieces of meat (about 3 oz, NOT FRIED!!)
1 cup of beets
1 cup green beans
1 apple
1 cup of vanialla icecream

DAY 2

Breakfast
1 egg
1 slice of toast
1/2 banana

Lunch
1 cup of cottage cheese
5 saltine crackers

Dinner
2 Hotdogs
2 cup broccoli
1/2 cup of carrots
1/2 banana
1/2 cup vanilla icecream

Day 3

Breakfast
5 saltine crackers
1 slice cheddar cheese
1 apple

Lunch
1 boiled egg
1 slice of toast

Dinner
1 cup tuna
1 cup beets
1 cup cauliflower
1/2 cantaloup
1/2 cup vanilla icecream

This is a chemical controlled program, meaning the food in the program help in the chemical break down of body fat. . . but HEY this is for people laying in a hospital bed!


This really work, hard as hell, can sit around for three days and lose weight.

[Scott~]

Originally Posted by km89

your body can only burn a max of 1 lb per week so any excess weight your burning would just be muscle.

100% wrong.

[Bodybuilder230]

Originally Posted by depratercm

When my dad was in the Navy he gotta a hold of a program from one of his doctors. It's a 3 day program (don't call it a diet) meant for overweight heart patient going into surgery that need to lose weight.

This program work 10lbs in 3 days . . . 3 days on 4 days off.

Day 1

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

1/2 grapefruit 1/2 cup tuna 2 pieces of meat (about 3 oz
fried!!!!)
1 slice of toast 1 slice of toast 1 cup beets
2 teaspoons peanutbutter 1 cup green beans
1 apple
1 cup vanilla icecream
Day 2

1 egg 1 cup of cottage cheese 2 hotdogs
1 slice of toast 5 saltine crackers 1 cup broccoli
1/2 banana 1/2 cup carrots
1/2 banana
1/2 cup vanilla icecream

Day 3

5 saltine crackers 1 boiled egg 1 cup tuna
1 slice cheddar cheese 1 slice of toast 1 cup beets
1 apple 1 cup cauliflower
1/2 cantaloup
1/2 cup vanilla icecream

Only black coffee, tea, water to drink NO sugar!

This really work, hard as hell, can sit around for three days and lose weight.

i believe u that this works and i think i am going to try it right before school starts...if i do it for 6 days will it help? and if i do cardio as well is that better? alos...do u eat that meal 3 times..for each day?

[blueguitar322]

Btw - from a fellow musician's perspective - weight isn't nearly as important as your ability. Spend way more time than you need practicing, know your song/routine forwards and backwords. Visualize yourself hitting all the right spots, showing emotion in at the right places, selling the energy, etc.

You'll do great!

[TheNewestGuy]

Please god, nobody do that diet posted above.

[RaferAlston26]

Velocity diet if done PROPERLY, should result in one pound per day. Whether it is fat or water weight, by 18 days you should have lost 18lbs. Now, I've seen people who aren't gigantic and lose more then 18lbs in 18 days on the velocity. Hell I've seen people lose 35lbs in 28 days on velocity. But you must follow it to a tea. SOme people try to substitute in other meals, etc etc trying to find the quick way to do it. No, if you want maximum results do it right.

[dudedudedude1983_delete012708@noone.com]

I agree. Your screwed. You cant lose that much fat that fast. At least not without increasing your risk of injury through the roof. 1-2 lbs a week.


Unless you want to lose water weight as well which would be cutting sodium to about 500-800 mg/day safely. Good for your liver, heart and kidneys as well. That would help reduce held water. But if you mean FAT not gonna happen without lipo. ;^)

[sFunk]

Just start your diet and exercise NOW. Don't do anything drastic, just do what you used to do when you originally got into shape. You'll definately see a difference in 18 days and you'll start to feel much better. I would advise against anything drastic as no matter how used to it you think your body may be it's not worth the chance that you could get sick or hoarse while doing something drastic.

So start living healthy now and it'll come through in your performance, I guarantee it!

Good Luck!

-Funk

[Senor Awesome]

I would advise you to dress well. You can cover up some excess weight by dressing well.

[Bad Company]

Originally Posted by km89

your body can only burn a max of 1 lb per week so any excess weight your burning would just be muscle..

nope...

[vipergq]

In 18 days you can do alot....Its going to take some hard work though.

I did 17 lbs in 30 days, but I was trying to preserve muscle and I did not have that much fat to begin with. With the amount of fat you have, you should be able to maintain a pretty good amount of fat liposis. 3 lbs of fat a week would not be too dificult.

HERE IS EXATCLY WHAT I WOULD DO IN YOUR POSITION

Times can be changed t ofit your schedule.



9:00 Wake up and immediately take a scoop of Whey Protein.

Go to the gym and do a 1 hour cardio session at a medium pace. HR at about 120-150 beats per minute. Have a Bottle with 12g of BCAA's and 12g of Whey mixed in.

10:30 When you get home, make a 400 calorie medium fat, no/low carb meal. I recommend a salad with avocado and 3 whole eggs, or an omelette with lean ham/chicken, or maybe even paenut butter and cottage cheese.

12:00 a couple hours later, Make a bottle with 20g BCAA's and 20g Whey and drink that slowly for the next 3 hours. This will help keep you feeling full while at the same time slowing down muscle breakdown. I personally us a 1/2 gallon jug of crystal light, helps me get plenty of water as well.

3:00 have a scoop of whey and 2 tbsp of Peanut butter.

5:00 Go to the gym and do an intense 1.5-2 hour workout with drop sets and supersets. never letting your heart rate ever go below 100 BPM. Again have a mixture of 12g BCAA's and 12g Whey.

7:00 Scoop of whey

10:00 Cottage Cheese and Peanut butter

11:00 Sleep

Do this every day with a carbup day around day 10-12 where you eat <50g Fat, 400 g of carbs, and 150 g protein.

The 3 days before the "event" cut out Sodium from your diet as much as possible and continue to drink 1-2 gallons of water a day.

Day of: Wake and have a scoop of Whey with 2 Tbs of peanut buter and keep water drinking to just when you are thirsty.

Voila, you should be down 20 lbs at least by the end of this if workouts were on key.

Hope that helps

[Hikeon3]

Originally Posted by vipergq

In 18 days you can do alot....Its going to take some hard work though.

I did 17 lbs in 30 days, but I was trying to preserve muscle and I did not have that much fat to begin with. With the amount of fat you have, you should be able to maintain a pretty good amount of fat liposis. 3 lbs of fat a week would not be too dificult.

HERE IS EXATCLY WHAT I WOULD DO IN YOUR POSITION

Times can be changed t ofit your schedule.



9:00 Wake up and immediately take a scoop of Whey Protein.

Go to the gym and do a 1 hour cardio session at a medium pace. HR at about 120-150 beats per minute. Have a Bottle with 12g of BCAA's and 12g of Whey mixed in.

10:30 When you get home, make a 400 calorie medium fat, no/low carb meal. I recommend a salad with avocado and 3 whole eggs, or an omelette with lean ham/chicken, or maybe even paenut butter and cottage cheese.

12:00 a couple hours later, Make a bottle with 20g BCAA's and 20g Whey and drink that slowly for the next 3 hours. This will help keep you feeling full while at the same time slowing down muscle breakdown. I personally us a 1/2 gallon jug of crystal light, helps me get plenty of water as well.

3:00 have a scoop of whey and 2 tbsp of Peanut butter.

5:00 Go to the gym and do an intense 1.5-2 hour workout with drop sets and supersets. never letting your heart rate ever go below 100 BPM. Again have a mixture of 12g BCAA's and 12g Whey.

7:00 Scoop of whey

10:00 Cottage Cheese and Peanut butter

11:00 Sleep

Do this every day with a carbup day around day 10-12 where you eat <50g Fat, 400 g of carbs, and 150 g protein.

The 3 days before the "event" cut out Sodium from your diet as much as possible and continue to drink 1-2 gallons of water a day.

Day of: Wake and have a scoop of Whey with 2 Tbs of peanut buter and keep water drinking to just when you are thirsty.

Voila, you should be down 20 lbs at least by the end of this if workouts were on key.

Hope that helps

Onion skin style. Gonna get PEELED for this TV show!

[muruku]

try psmf, rapid fat loss handbook.

[FrostFox]

Velocity diet, but you`re only going to lose about 9 pounds of fat in that amount of time (with the rest being water weight).

[carbinejackson]

Originally Posted by Senor Awesome

I would advise you to dress well. You can cover up some excess weight by dressing well.

I would just like to say you have one of the best screen names ever.

[Illuminatus]

I lost most of my weight (nearly 40 pounds in 90 days) from cycling.

I'd cycle AT LEAST 20k everyday.


Just go out and bike for 6 hours a day!
Take some bottled water in your backpack.

[DoubleWide]

Here's my opinion. You made your bed, now lay in it. I'm not being harsh, a crash diet like you want to do is more likely to screw up your body. You'd have a greater chance of being sick and not being able to sing than looking a lot better in 18 days. Eat healthy, try to keep carbs and sodium low, and drink plenty of water. In a singing contest, your voice is more important than your looks.