<ul><li>reduce your appetite</li><li>cause fast weight loss</li><li>improve your metabolic health at the same time</li></ul>One way to lose weight quickly is to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/14-ways-to-eat-less-sugar">cut back on sugars </a>and starches, or carbohydrates. This could be with a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-popular-ways-to-do-low-carb">low carb eating plan </a>or by reducing <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/simple-carbohydrates-complex-carbohydrates">refined carbs </a>and replacing them with whole grains.Try going to the gym three to four times a week to lift weights. If you’re new to the gym, ask a trainer for some advice. Make sure your doctor is also aware of any new exercise plans.<ul><li>broccoli</li><li>cauliflower</li><li>spinach</li><li>tomatoes</li><li>kale</li><li>Brussels sprouts</li><li>cabbage</li><li>Swiss chard</li><li>lettuce</li><li>cucumber</li></ul>

How to lose weight 👍

If your doctor recommends it, there are ways to lose weight safely. A steady weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week is recommended for the most effective long-term weight management. That said, many eating plans leave you feeling hungry or unsatisfied. These are major reasons why you might find it hard to stick to a healthier eating plan. However, not all diets have this effect. Low carb diets and whole food, lower calorie diets are effective for weight loss and may be easier to stick to than other diets.Here are some ways to lose weight that employ healthy eating, potentially lower carbs, and that aim to:<UL><LI>reduce your appetite</LI><LI>cause fast weight loss</LI><LI>improve your metabolic health at the same time</LI></UL><figure><picture class="css-16pk1is"><source srcset="https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Picture1.png?w=1575 750w" media="(min-width: 1190px)"><source srcset="https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Picture1.png?w=1575 750w" media="(min-width: 990px)"><source srcset="https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Picture1.png?w=1845 879w" media="(min-width: 768px)"><img src="https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Picture1.png?w=1155&amp;h=1100" alt="A picture containing person, building, young, game

Description automatically generated" width="690" height="386"></picture><figcaption dir="auto">Share on Pinterest</figcaption></figure><div><a name="ways-to-lose-weight">1. Cut back on refined carbs</a></div>One way to lose weight quickly is to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/14-ways-to-eat-less-sugar" dir="ltr">cut back on sugars</a> and starches, or carbohydrates. This could be with a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-popular-ways-to-do-low-carb" dir="ltr">low carb eating plan</a> or by reducing <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/simple-carbohydrates-complex-carbohydrates" dir="ltr">refined carbs</a> and replacing them with whole grains.When you do that, your hunger levels go down, and you generally end up eating fewer calories (<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/oby.2007.516" dir="ltr">1</a>).With a low carb eating plan, you’ll utilize burning stored fat for energy instead of carbs. If you choose to eat more complex carbs like whole grains along with a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/calorie-deficit" dir="ltr">calorie deficit</a>, you’ll benefit from higher fiber and digest them more slowly. This makes them more filling to keep you satisfied.A 2020 study confirmed that a very low carbohydrate diet was beneficial for losing weight in older populations (<a href="https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12986-020-00481-9" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">2</a>). Research also suggests that a low carb diet can reduce appetite, which may lead to eating fewer calories without thinking about it or feeling hungry (<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/obr.12230/abstract" dir="ltr">3</a>).Note that the long-term effects of a low carb diet are still being researched. It can also be difficult to adhere to a low carb diet, which may lead to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/worst-side-effects-of-the-keto-diet" dir="ltr">yo-yo dieting</a> and less success in maintaining a healthy weight.There are potential <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/no-carb-diet#downsides" dir="ltr">downsides</a> to a low carb diet that may lead you to a different method. Reduced calorie diets can also lead to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-ways-to-lose-weight-without-counting-calories" dir="ltr">weight loss</a> and be easier to maintain for longer periods of time.If you opt for a diet focusing instead on <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-of-whole-grains" dir="ltr">whole grains</a> over refined carbs, a 2019 study correlated high whole grain with lower body mass index (BMI) (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627338/" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">4</a></hl-trusted-source>).To determine the best way for you to lose weight, consult your doctor for recommendations. <BLOCKQUOTE>SummaryReducing sugars and starches, or carbs, from your diet can help curb your appetite, lower your insulin levels, and make you lose weight. But the long-term effects of a low carb diet are not yet known. A reduced calorie diet could be more sustainable.</BLOCKQUOTE><div><a name="2.-Eat-protein,-fat,-and-vegetables">2. Eat protein, fat, and vegetables</a></div>Each one of your meals should include:<UL><LI>a protein source </LI><LI>fat source </LI><LI>vegetables </LI><LI>a small portion of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains</LI></UL>To see how you can assemble your meals, check out:<h3>Protein</h3>Eating a recommended amount of <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-delicious-high-protein-foods" dir="ltr">protein</a> is essential to help preserve your health and muscle mass while losing weight (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5421125/" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">5</a></hl-trusted-source>). Evidence suggests that eating adequate protein may improve cardiometabolic risk factors, appetite, and body weight, (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20565999" dir="ltr">6</a></hl-trusted-source><h4>Healthy protein sources include:</h4><UL><LI>meat: beef, chicken, pork, and lamb</LI><LI>fish and seafood: salmon, trout, and shrimp</LI><LI>eggs: whole eggs with the yolk</LI><LI>plant-based proteins: beans, legumes, quinoa, tempeh, and tofu</LI></UL><h3>Low carb and leafy green vegetables</h3>Don’t be afraid to load your plate with <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/leafy-green-vegetables" dir="ltr">leafy green vegetables</a>. They’re packed with nutrients, and you can eat very large amounts without greatly increasing calories and carbs.<h4>Vegetables to include for low carb or low calorie eating plans:</h4><UL><LI>broccoli</LI><LI>cauliflower</LI><LI>spinach</LI><LI>tomatoes</LI><LI>kale</LI><LI>Brussels sprouts</LI><LI>cabbage</LI><LI>Swiss chard</LI><LI>lettuce</LI><LI>cucumber</LI></UL><h3>Healthy fats</h3>Don’t be afraid of eating fats. Your body still requires <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/good-fats-vs-bad-fats" dir="ltr">healthy fats</a> no matter what eating plan you choose. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-olive-oil" dir="ltr">Olive oil</a> and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-avocado-oil-benefits" dir="ltr">avocado oil</a> are great choices for including in your eating plan.Other fats such as butter and coconut oil should be used only in moderation due to their higher saturated fat content (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26068959/" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">12</a></hl-trusted-source>).<BLOCKQUOTE>SummaryAssemble each meal out of a protein source, healthy fat source, complex carb, and vegetables. Leafy green vegetables are a great way to bulk up a meal with low calories and lots of nutrients. </BLOCKQUOTE><video class="jw-video jw-reset" tabindex="-1" disableremoteplayback="" webkit-playsinline="" playsinline="" src="blob:https://www.healthline.com/6d039453-8de1-4a49-9271-e4c758d4c881"></video><div>Food Fix Healthier Skin - Sponsored by Noom</div><div>Volume 0%</div>). Try going to the gym three to four times a week to lift weights. If you’re new to the gym, ask a trainer for some advice. Make sure your doctor is also aware of any new exercise plans.If lifting weights is not an option for you, doing some cardio workouts such as walking, jogging, running, cycling, or swimming is very beneficial for weight loss and general health. Both <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cardio-vs-weights-for-weight-loss" dir="ltr">cardio and weightlifting</a> can help with weight loss.<BLOCKQUOTE>SummaryResistance training, such as weightlifting, is a great option for losing weight. If that’s not possible, cardio workouts are also effective. Choose what’s sustainable for you.</BLOCKQUOTE><div>ADVERTISEMENT</div><div>Start a custom weight loss program</div>Noom helps you adopt healthy habits so you can lose weight and keep it off. Your program is customized to your goals and fitness needs. Just take a quick assessment and get started today.<div><a name="calories-portions">What about calories and portion control?</a></div>If you opt for a low carb eating plan, it’s not necessary to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/counting-calories-101" dir="ltr">count calories</a> as long as you keep your carb intake very low and stick to protein, fat, and low carb vegetables.If you find yourself not losing weight, you may want to keep track of your calories to see if that’s a contributing factor.If you’re sticking to a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/calories-in-a-pound-of-fat" dir="ltr">calorie deficit</a> to lose weight, you can use a free online calculator like <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-many-calories-per-day" dir="ltr">this one</a>. Enter your sex, weight, height, and activity levels. The calculator will tell you how many calories to eat per day to maintain your weight, lose weight, or lose weight fast. You can also download free, easy-to-use calorie counters from websites and app stores. Here’s a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/5-best-calorie-counters" dir="ltr">list of 5 calorie counters</a> to try.Note that eating too few calories can be <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/calorie-restriction-risks" dir="ltr">dangerous and less effective</a> for losing weight. Aim to reduce your calories by a sustainable and healthy amount based on your doctor’s recommendation.<BLOCKQUOTE>SummaryCounting calories isn’t usually needed to lose weight on a low carb eating plan. But if you’re not losing weight or on a reduced calorie eating plan, calorie counting may help.</BLOCKQUOTE><div><a name="tips">9 weight loss tips</a></div>Here are 9 more tips to lose weight faster:<OL><LI>Eat a high protein breakfast. Eating a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/protein-at-breakfast-and-weight-loss" dir="ltr">high protein breakfast</a> could help reduce cravings and calorie intake throughout the day (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/25889354/" dir="ltr">16</a></hl-trusted-source></LI></OL><BLOCKQUOTE>SummaryEating whole foods, higher protein, soluble fiber, and less sugar can help you lose more weight. Don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep, too.</BLOCKQUOTE><div><a name="meal-ideas">Sample meal ideas for fast weight loss</a></div>These sample meal plans are low carb, which limits carbs to 20–50 carbs per day. Each meal should have protein, healthy fats, and veggies.If you’d prefer to lose weight while still eating complex carbs, add in some <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whole-grain-foods" dir="ltr">healthy whole grains</a> such as:<UL><LI>quinoa </LI><LI>whole oats </LI><LI>whole wheat</LI><LI>bran </LI><LI>rye </LI><LI>barley</LI></UL><h3>Breakfast ideas</h3><UL><LI>poached egg with sliced avocado and a side of berries</LI><LI><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/low-carb-smoothies#green-smoothie" dir="ltr">green smoothie</a> with spinach, avocado, and nut milk and a side of cottage cheese</LI><LI>unsweetened Greek yogurt with berries and almonds</LI></UL><h3>Lunch ideas</h3><UL><LI><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/18-low-carb-breakfast-recipes#TOC_TITLE_HDR_13" dir="ltr">smoked salmon with avocado</a> and a side of asparagus</LI><LI><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/101-healthy-low-carb-recipes#lunches" dir="ltr">lettuce wrap</a> with grilled chicken, black beans, red pepper, and salsa</LI><LI>kale and spinach salad with grilled tofu, chickpeas, and guacamole</LI><LI><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-carb-snacks#TOC_TITLE_HDR_12" dir="ltr">BLT wrap</a> with celery sticks and peanut butter</LI></UL><h3>Dinner ideas</h3><UL><LI><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/101-healthy-low-carb-recipes#salads" dir="ltr">enchilada salad</a> with chicken, peppers, mango, avocado, and spices</LI><LI><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-healthy-low-carb-meals#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8" dir="ltr">ground turkey bake</a> with mushrooms, onions, peppers, and cheese</LI><LI><a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/14-low-carb-fast-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_11" dir="ltr">antipasto salad</a> with white beans, asparagus, cucumbers, olive oil, and Parmesan</LI><LI>roasted cauliflower with tempeh, Brussels sprouts, and pine nuts</LI><LI>salmon baked with ginger, sesame oil, and roasted zucchini</LI></UL><div><a name="how-fast-to-lose">How fast will you lose weight?</a></div>You may lose 5–10 pounds (2.3–4.5 kg) of weight — sometimes more — in the first week of a diet plan and then lose weight consistently after that. The first week is usually a loss of both body fat and water weight.If you’re new to dieting, weight loss may happen more quickly. The more weight you have to lose, the faster you’ll lose it. Unless your doctor suggests otherwise, losing 1–2 pounds per week is usually a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/losing-weight-too-fast" dir="ltr">safe amount</a>. If you’re trying to lose weight faster than that, speak to your doctor about a safe level of calorie reduction. Aside from weight loss, a low carb diet can improve your health in a few ways, though the long-term effects are not yet known:<UL><LI>blood sugar levels tend to significantly decrease on low carb diets (<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0899900714003323" dir="ltr">30</a>)</LI><LI>triglycerides tend to go down (<a href="https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/176/suppl_7/S44/112289" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">31</a>)</LI><LI>LDL (bad) cholesterol goes down (<hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" dir="ltr"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30408717/" rel="noopener noreferrer" dir="ltr">32</a></hl-trusted-source></LI></UL>). Ultimately, you may find a more balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates is more sustainable. <BLOCKQUOTE>SummarySignificant weight can be lost on a low carb or low calorie diet, but the speed depends on the individual. General weight loss can improve certain markers of health, such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels.</BLOCKQUOTE><div><a name="bottom-line">The bottom line</a></div>By reducing carbs or replacing refined carbs with complex carbs, you’ll likely experience reduced appetite and hunger. This removes the main reasons it’s often difficult to maintain a weight loss plan. With a sustainable low carb or lower calorie eating plan, you can eat healthy food until you’re full and still lose a significant amount of fat. The initial drop in water weight can lead to a drop in the scales within a few days. Fat loss takes longer.

This simple 3-step plan can help you lose weight fast. Read about the 3-step plan, along with other science-backed weight loss tips, here.

health

Health

If your doctor recommends it, there are ways to lose weight safely. A steady weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week is recommended for the most effective long-term weight management.

That said, many eating plans leave you feeling hungry or unsatisfied. These are major reasons why you might find it hard to stick to a healthier eating plan.

However, not all diets have this effect. Low carb diets and whole food, lower calorie diets are effective for weight loss and may be easier to stick to than other diets.

Here are some ways to lose weight that employ healthy eating, potentially lower carbs, and that aim to:

<ul><li>reduce your appetite </li><li>cause fast weight loss </li><li>improve your metabolic health at the same time </li> </ul>

One way to lose weight quickly is to <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/14-ways-to-eat-less-sugar">cut back on sugars </a>and starches, or carbohydrates. This could be with a <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-popular-ways-to-do-low-carb">low carb eating plan </a>or by reducing <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/simple-carbohydrates-complex-carbohydrates">refined carbs </a>and replacing them with whole grains.

When you do that, your hunger levels go down, and you generally end up eating fewer calories (<a dir="ltr" href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/oby.2007.516" rel="noopener noreferrer">1 </a>).

With a low carb eating plan, you’ll utilize burning stored fat for energy instead of carbs.

If you choose to eat more complex carbs like whole grains along with a <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/calorie-deficit">calorie deficit </a>, you’ll benefit from higher fiber and digest them more slowly. This makes them more filling to keep you satisfied.

A 2020 study confirmed that a very low carbohydrate diet was beneficial for losing weight in older populations (<a dir="ltr" href="https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12986-020-00481-9" rel="noopener noreferrer">2 </a>).

Research also suggests that a low carb diet can reduce appetite, which may lead to eating fewer calories without thinking about it or feeling hungry (<a dir="ltr" href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/obr.12230/abstract" rel="noopener noreferrer">3 </a>).

Note that the long-term effects of a low carb diet are still being researched. It can also be difficult to adhere to a low carb diet, which may lead to <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/worst-side-effects-of-the-keto-diet">yo-yo dieting </a>and less success in maintaining a healthy weight.

There are potential <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/no-carb-diet#downsides">downsides </a>to a low carb diet that may lead you to a different method. Reduced calorie diets can also lead to <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-ways-to-lose-weight-without-counting-calories">weight loss </a>and be easier to maintain for longer periods of time.

If you opt for a diet focusing instead on <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-of-whole-grains">whole grains </a>over refined carbs, a 2019 study correlated high whole grain with lower body mass index (BMI) (<hl-trusted-source dir="ltr" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" source="PubMed Central"><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627338/" rel="noopener noreferrer">4 </a> </hl-trusted-source>

To determine the best way for you to lose weight, consult your doctor for recommendations.

Reducing sugars and starches, or carbs, from your diet can help curb your appetite, lower your insulin levels, and make you lose weight.

But the long-term effects of a low carb diet are not yet known. A reduced calorie diet could be more sustainable.

Each one of your meals should include:

<ul><li>a protein source </li><li>fat source </li><li>vegetables </li><li>a small portion of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains </li> </ul>

To see how you can assemble your meals, check out:

Eating a recommended amount of <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-delicious-high-protein-foods">protein </a>is essential to help preserve your health and muscle mass while losing weight (<hl-trusted-source dir="ltr" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" source="PubMed Central"><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5421125/" rel="noopener noreferrer">5 </a> </hl-trusted-source>

Evidence suggests that eating adequate protein may improve cardiometabolic risk factors, appetite, and body weight, (<hl-trusted-source dir="ltr" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" source="PubMed Central"><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20565999" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 </a> </hl-trusted-source>

<ul><li>meat: beef, chicken, pork, and lamb </li><li>fish and seafood: salmon, trout, and shrimp </li><li>eggs: whole eggs with the yolk </li><li>plant-based proteins: beans, legumes, quinoa, tempeh, and tofu </li> </ul>

Don’t be afraid to load your plate with <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/leafy-green-vegetables">leafy green vegetables </a>. They’re packed with nutrients, and you can eat very large amounts without greatly increasing calories and carbs.

Vegetables to include for low carb or low calorie eating plans:

<ul><li>broccoli </li><li>cauliflower </li><li>spinach </li><li>tomatoes </li><li>kale </li><li>Brussels sprouts </li><li>cabbage </li><li>Swiss chard </li><li>lettuce </li><li>cucumber </li> </ul>

Don’t be afraid of eating fats.

Your body still requires <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/good-fats-vs-bad-fats">healthy fats </a>no matter what eating plan you choose. <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-olive-oil">Olive oil </a>and <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-avocado-oil-benefits">avocado oil </a>are great choices for including in your eating plan.

Other fats such as butter and coconut oil should be used only in moderation due to their higher saturated fat content (<hl-trusted-source dir="ltr" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" source="PubMed Central"><a dir="ltr" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26068959/" rel="noopener noreferrer">12 </a> </hl-trusted-source>

Assemble each meal out of a protein source, healthy fat source, complex carb, and vegetables.

Leafy green vegetables are a great way to bulk up a meal with low calories and lots of nutrients.

Try going to the gym three to four times a week to lift weights. If you’re new to the gym, ask a trainer for some advice. Make sure your doctor is also aware of any new exercise plans.

If lifting weights is not an option for you, doing some cardio workouts such as walking, jogging, running, cycling, or swimming is very beneficial for weight loss and general health.

Both <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cardio-vs-weights-for-weight-loss">cardio and weightlifting </a>can help with weight loss.

Resistance training, such as weightlifting, is a great option for losing weight. If that’s not possible, cardio workouts are also effective.

Choose what’s sustainable for you.

Noom helps you adopt healthy habits so you can lose weight and keep it off. Your program is customized to your goals and fitness needs. Just take a quick assessment and get started today.

If you opt for a low carb eating plan, it’s not necessary to <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/counting-calories-101">count calories </a>as long as you keep your carb intake very low and stick to protein, fat, and low carb vegetables.

If you find yourself not losing weight, you may want to keep track of your calories to see if that’s a contributing factor.

If you’re sticking to a <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/calories-in-a-pound-of-fat">calorie deficit </a>to lose weight, you can use a free online calculator like <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-many-calories-per-day">this one </a>.

Enter your sex, weight, height, and activity levels. The calculator will tell you how many calories to eat per day to maintain your weight, lose weight, or lose weight fast.

You can also download free, easy-to-use calorie counters from websites and app stores. Here’s a <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/5-best-calorie-counters">list of 5 calorie counters </a>to try.

Note that eating too few calories can be <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/calorie-restriction-risks">dangerous and less effective </a>for losing weight. Aim to reduce your calories by a sustainable and healthy amount based on your doctor’s recommendation.

Counting calories isn’t usually needed to lose weight on a low carb eating plan. But if you’re not losing weight or on a reduced calorie eating plan, calorie counting may help.

Here are 9 more tips to lose weight faster:

<ol><li>Eat a high protein breakfast. Eating a <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/protein-at-breakfast-and-weight-loss">high protein breakfast </a>could help reduce cravings and calorie intake throughout the day (<hl-trusted-source dir="ltr" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" source="PubMed Central"><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/25889354/" rel="noopener noreferrer">16 </a> </hl-trusted-source> </li> </ol>

Eating whole foods, higher protein, soluble fiber, and less sugar can help you lose more weight. Don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep, too.

These sample meal plans are low carb, which limits carbs to 20–50 carbs per day. Each meal should have protein, healthy fats, and veggies.

If you’d prefer to lose weight while still eating complex carbs, add in some <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whole-grain-foods">healthy whole grains </a>such as:

<ul><li>quinoa </li><li>whole oats </li><li>whole wheat </li><li>bran </li><li>rye </li><li>barley </li> </ul>

<ul><li>poached egg with sliced avocado and a side of berries </li><li><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/low-carb-smoothies#green-smoothie">green smoothie </a>with spinach, avocado, and nut milk and a side of cottage cheese </li><li>unsweetened Greek yogurt with berries and almonds </li> </ul>

<ul><li><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/18-low-carb-breakfast-recipes#TOC_TITLE_HDR_13">smoked salmon with avocado </a>and a side of asparagus </li><li><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/101-healthy-low-carb-recipes#lunches">lettuce wrap </a>with grilled chicken, black beans, red pepper, and salsa </li><li>kale and spinach salad with grilled tofu, chickpeas, and guacamole </li><li><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-carb-snacks#TOC_TITLE_HDR_12">BLT wrap </a>with celery sticks and peanut butter </li> </ul>

<ul><li><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/101-healthy-low-carb-recipes#salads">enchilada salad </a>with chicken, peppers, mango, avocado, and spices </li><li><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-healthy-low-carb-meals#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8">ground turkey bake </a>with mushrooms, onions, peppers, and cheese </li><li><a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/14-low-carb-fast-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_11">antipasto salad </a>with white beans, asparagus, cucumbers, olive oil, and Parmesan </li><li>roasted cauliflower with tempeh, Brussels sprouts, and pine nuts </li><li>salmon baked with ginger, sesame oil, and roasted zucchini </li> </ul>

You may lose 5–10 pounds (2.3–4.5 kg) of weight — sometimes more — in the first week of a diet plan and then lose weight consistently after that. The first week is usually a loss of both body fat and water weight.

If you’re new to dieting, weight loss may happen more quickly. The more weight you have to lose, the faster you’ll lose it.

Unless your doctor suggests otherwise, losing 1–2 pounds per week is usually a <a dir="ltr" href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/losing-weight-too-fast">safe amount </a>. If you’re trying to lose weight faster than that, speak to your doctor about a safe level of calorie reduction.

Aside from weight loss, a low carb diet can improve your health in a few ways, though the long-term effects are not yet known:

<ul><li>blood sugar levels tend to significantly decrease on low carb diets (<a dir="ltr" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0899900714003323" rel="noopener noreferrer">30 </a>) </li><li>triglycerides tend to go down (<a dir="ltr" href="https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/176/suppl_7/S44/112289" rel="noopener noreferrer">31 </a>) </li><li>LDL (bad) cholesterol goes down (<hl-trusted-source dir="ltr" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health" source="PubMed Central"><a dir="ltr" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30408717/" rel="noopener noreferrer">32 </a> </hl-trusted-source> </li> </ul>

). Ultimately, you may find a more balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates is more sustainable.

Significant weight can be lost on a low carb or low calorie diet, but the speed depends on the individual.

General weight loss can improve certain markers of health, such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

By reducing carbs or replacing refined carbs with complex carbs, you’ll likely experience reduced appetite and hunger. This removes the main reasons it’s often difficult to maintain a weight loss plan.

With a sustainable low carb or lower calorie eating plan, you can eat healthy food until you’re full and still lose a significant amount of fat.

The initial drop in water weight can lead to a drop in the scales within a few days. Fat loss takes longer.

How to Lose Weight Fast: 3 Simple Steps, Based on Science

How to lose weight 👍

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