The “How To Lose 12 lbs. In Two Weeks 4-Step Plan”…but really it’ll be more like 10 lbs.
On June 1st I had heard about 3 different TV channels talking about the same thing – how to lose 12 pounds in 2 weeks. So, I put myself up to the challenge and documented my weight everyday (before and after a workout) and how I looked every morning pre-workout. On day 14 I had actually lost 12.1 lbs but on day 15 was at a total of 10.4 lbs. weight loss.
What’s the deal with those 2 or so extra pounds?
Well…it’s really all about water retention (i.e., water weight). If you look closely at the graph above you’ll notice that I actually almost lost 10 lbs. in just two days…but don’t get pumped about that number because once I replenished my empty tank and expended water I was back up another 4 lbs. or so.
So, know that you know a little about losing some water weight – here’s the 4 Steps you’ll need to take to lose 12 lbs. in 2 weeks.
STEP ONE:
Realize about 2-4 lbs. of the 12 lbs. will be in water weight.
Seriously, I workout everyday and weigh myself before and after a workout to keep track of stats. I have noticed that on average I drop about 3 lbs. per workout with some days getting up to 5 lbs….and if you throw mowing the lawn on a hot summer’s day in the mix…ka-boom! 8 lbs. easily. All wrestlers and professional fighters might be like, “that’s it…I’ve dropped 10 lbs. in my sleep,” but please remember that most of us are normal folks….and for normal folks that weight train for about an hour and half 3-5 lbs. I’d say is about normal.
STEP TWO:
The Eating Plan
Cut fats, salt, and all other foods that might make you retain water.
If you really want to try to lose 12 lbs. in two weeks we don’t need any extra liquid stored in our body. So cut the sodium intake (i.e., sodas, most processed and/or precooked foods, and pretty much all fast food).
Average Less Than 1,200 Calories A Day
If you’re serious about losing the weight then you’ll have to calorie cycle throughout the week with a weekly average of 1,200 calories.
CALORIE CYCLING IS A HUGE DEAL!
Such a huge deal in fact that I will be devoting a full post to it very soon.
So, how should you Calorie Cycle?
Sample Calorie Cycling Plan
Day One / Eight: 600 calories…I mean let’s get this party started right no…?
Day Two / Nine: 1,200 calories
Day Three / Ten: 1,800 calories
Day Four / Eleven: 1,200 calories
Day Five / Twelve: 1,000 calories
Day Six / Thirteen: 1,800 calories
Day Seven / Fourteen: 600 calories
The Staple Foods:
- Chicken Breasts
- Tilapia
- Whole Wheat Pasta
- Potatoes
- Veggies
My Recipes NO EXTRA SALT ADDED…PERIOD:
-
Spicy-Lime-Ranch Chicken Salad (280 calories)
Ingredients:
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Jalapeño Powder
Spring Salad Mix
Cooking Spray
Lime
Two 4 oz. Chicken Breasts
Directions:
Two Cups of Mixed Spring Salad Mix;
- Season with Pepper
- 1 tbsp. of Light Ranch Dressing
- Juice of 1/2 a Lime
Two (4 oz.) Chicken Breasts;
- Season both sides with Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Jalapeño Powder
- Cook for 4 minutes on each side with cooking spray (medium heat)
- Cut Chicken into small cubed chunks add to Salad
- Add 1/4 of water to the pan the chicken was cooked in, swirl water in pan, add to salad mix
-
Roasted Tilapia, Potatoes, Lemon(748 calories, half the recipe)
Note that Niña actually cooks this a bit different and we’ll posting her recipe soon.
-
Chicken + Pasta (less than 450 calories)
STEP THREE:
The Workout Plan (Same for both weeks)
Day One / Eight: 1 hr 45 minutes
- Weight Lift, Chest + Back (1 hour)
- Run (3 miles at 10 minute pace)
- Abs (15 minute ab routine)
Day Two / Nine: 1 hr 30 minutes
- Cardio Training (1 hour)
- Run (3 miles at 10 minute pace)
Day Three / Ten: 1 hr 45 minutes
- Weight Lift , Arms + Shoulders (1 hour)
- Run (3 miles at 10 minute pace)
- Abs (15 minute ab routine)
Day Four / Eleven: 1 hr 30 minutes
- Yoga (1 hour)
- Run (3 miles at 10 minute pace)
Day Five / Twelve: 1 hr 45 minutes
- Weight Lift, Back + Legs (1 hour)
- Run (3 miles at 10 minute pace)
- Abs (15 minute ab routine)
Day Six / Thirteen: 1 hr 30 minutes
- Cardio Training (1 hour)
- Run (3 miles at 10 minute pace)
Day Seven / Fourteen: REST
Blake Burton
Jun 21, 2013 -
Think I’m gonna give this a shot! Love reading your articles!
www.X-GAINS.com
Jun 21, 2013 -
Thanks my man! Let me know how it works out if you do give it a go – good luck if you do.
X-GainsDoes Calorie Counting Work? | X-Gains
Jun 24, 2013 -
[…] the other hand, when I started calorie cycling again for my 12 lbs. in 2 weeks challenge, via the LeanGains 18/6 plan, I dropped more pounds than I bargained for…as is usually the case […]
Dominick
Mar 20, 2015 -
I really hope no one listens to this. extremely low calorie deficit + 7 days of cardio with no rests will do nothing but drain you, destroy muscle, and leave you prone to quickly gaining weight back as soon as diet changes. There is no true value to quick fixes, eat 500 calories below your maintenance level, Aim for a loss of 1-1.5 lbs. per week, and continue until your satisfied. The average person who attempts to loose weight goes on to believe that a very low caloric deficit + a ridiculous amount of cardio will get them the results they desire. However, there is no true “quick fix” that provides respectable results. It truly comes from consistency, dedication, and a lot of effort. I weigh 208 lbs as a lean male, I eat 2800 calories on training days, and 2400 on off days. I have lost 1-2 lbs per week, I am not starving myself, and I have two rest days where I do absolutely NOTHING. I will also add that I do ZERO CARDIO. some might say ” well if you don’t do cardio your not going to loose weight” well that is false, weight loss is a matter of burning more calories then you consume. as long as your at a 500 calorie deficit per day there is no other option BUT TO LOOSE WEIGHT. cardio is only implemented for me when I hit a plateau and my body no longer responds to decreasing calories. Plateaus are also an indication that the body is entering starvation mode due to the caloric deficit and it no longer provides e4nough energy for your body to preform efficiently. This causes your body to hold on to the stored fat, and seek muscle as a source of fuel. To combat that, I increase calories slightly and begin to implement cardio into my routine.
Please do not follow this guys recommendations they are misleading and will provide only temporary, less benefitting results.
Do your research on proper dieting and aim for 1-2 lbs per week (unless you are considered obese then you are capable of burning upwards of 3-5lbs per week until you plateau.
Rolando Rodriguez
Mar 20, 2015 -
Hello and thanks for taking the time to comment BUT I don’t think you have taken the time to truly read this blog because in your response you pretty much say EVERYTHING we talk about, and agree with, in a number of instances throughout blog.
It seems like you have just read this specific post and neglected to see its point and, more importantly, the rest of this blog’s content.
We are not about a quick fix but instead about helping people change their lifestyles so that they can meet their personal lifestyle goals…for life not for a quick fix…
This specific post was written because; 1. people hear about weight-loss fads and jump to conclusions, 2. some people need a jump start to weight loss, 3. for whatever reason some people need to lose a bit more weight a in less time than is ideal.
We really do agree with you BUT for some reason you decided to take one post, out of context no less, and proceed to formulate a false assumption and opinion from that one single post.
I truly hope you decide to continue exploring the site to see that we do in fact share a lot of the same thoughts as well as continuing to share your opinions on the topics we write about.
Take care and best wishes,
Roly