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Is it possible to lose 40 pounds in 40 days?
While it is possible to lose 40 pounds in 40 days, it is not recommended. It is much more than the 6 – 11 pounds experts recommend you lose in 40 days and is considered unsafe for most people.
It takes a calorie deficit of 3500 to lose a pound of fat. You need a higher caloric deficit of 140,000 to lose 40 pounds. It comes down to a daily calorie deficit of 3500 to lose 40 pounds in 40 days. It is an extreme amount that’s unattainable for most people.
Experts recommend adults reduce daily calories by at least 500 – 1000 to lose weight. However, while this is enough to jumpstart weight loss, it is not enough to lose 40 pounds in 40 days.
You still have an extra 2500 to burn with exercise to lose 40 pounds in 40 days.
Can exercise help you lose weight?
While exercise can help you burn calories, you need to do it for the correct duration and intensity. A 185-pound person, for example, burns approximately 440 calories in 30 minutes, rowing vigorously.
This person would have to exercise for at least 3 hours daily to lose 40 pounds in 40 days. An extreme sport that most people will find hard to achieve.
Also, this type of extreme exercise is not recommended as it can negatively affect your health. Experts recommend healthy adults spend at least 200 minutes (more than 3-hours) exercising weekly.
How long does it take to lose 40 pounds?
On average, it takes 5 – 10 months to lose 40 pounds. It is a safe amount of time for most people to lose 40 pounds. It’s also in line with the CDC (center for disease control and prevention) guidelines for healthy weight loss.
With a daily calorie deficit of 500, expect to lose 40 pounds in 10 months. Double the effort to a daily caloric deficit of 1000 to lose 40 pounds in 5 months.
While it is possible to lose 40 pounds much faster, it is not recommended. Losing weight at the recommended rate is good for your health. Also, it increases the likelihood of keeping it off long-term.
You don’t have to change all aspects of your diet to reduce your calories. Start with small changes such as cutting out junk food and other empty calories.
These include foods such as; sweets, baked treats, sodas, fizzy drinks, juice concentrate, highly-processed snacks, and fried foods. These foods are high in calories with little nutritional benefit. Cut them from your diet to reduce your daily calories.
Also, consider portion control to help reduce your calories. We tend to overestimate just how much food we should be eating. Using simple tips such as; serving on smaller plates or bowls can help.
Or better yet, use your serving plate as a guide. Fill half your plate with vegetables before adding protein or carbs to avoid overeating.
Eat more nutrient-dense foods such as protein, fiber, complex carbs, and vegetables. These foods are great for weight loss as they keep you full for longer.
Add exercise to your weekly routine. Alternate between cardio and weight training for best results. Cardio exercises burn calories fast, while weight training builds lean muscle and boosts metabolism.
Focus on workouts you enjoy doing as you get started. You’re more likely to be consistent this way. Do these, and you will lose 40 pounds safely.
Is it possible to lose 40 pounds in 40 days? Conclusion
Although it is possible to lose 40 pounds in 40 days, it is not recommended. Losing this weight in 40 days is considered unsafe as it is much more than what experts recommend you lose in 40 days.
