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This article was co-authored by Claudia Carberry, RD, MS. Claudia Carberry is a Registered Dietitian specializing in kidney transplants and counseling patients for weight loss at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Claudia received her MS in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 2010.
There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 300,916 times.
Losing weight in a safe, healthy and appropriate manner is the best way to long-term success. Since slower weight loss is generally thought to be safer[1] , three months is a good amount of time to lose a considerable amount of weight. In that time period, it's safe to aim to lose about 12 to 20 pounds which comes out to be about 1 to 2 pounds per week. So if you're interested in losing a small to moderate amount of weight, there are a few things you can do to slowly and safely lose weight in 3 months.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:
Modifying Your Diet for Weight Loss
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1Meet a doctor or registered dietitian. Prior to starting any weight loss or diet program, it's ideal to speak to your doctor or even with a registered dietitian. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether your diet program is safe and healthy for you.
- They may also be able to provide you with additional guidance or recommend alternatives that might be more appropriate for your health.
- A registered dietitian is a nutrition expert that may give you a more effective diet for weight loss. They can create a meal plan for you that will help induce weight loss in addition to guiding you towards healthy foods to help you lose weight.
- Visit the EatRight website and click on the orange "Find an Expert" button on the top right to search for a dietitian in your area.[2]
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2Count calories. In order to lose weight, you'll most likely need to cut out extra calories from your diet. Safe weight loss, or losing 1-2 pounds per week, requires you to cut out or burn off about 500-1000 calories daily.[3]
- It is not recommended to cut out more than 500-1000 calories from your diet daily. You run the risk of being unable to meet your nutrient goals.
- Although weight loss and healthy eating go beyond calories, it's important to be calorie aware - knowing whether or not you're eating enough calories for your body and lifestyle.
- You can combine cutting calories with exercise to maximize how large your calorie deficit is daily.
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3Consume lean protein at every meal. Studies show that consuming adequate protein helps support weight loss in addition to keeping you feeling satisfied.[4]
- Include lean proteins such as: poultry, beef, pork, eggs, dairy products, legumes and tofu.
- In general, it’s recommended for women to consume 46 g of protein daily and men to consume 56 g daily.[5] This recommendation is easily met if you consume about 3-4 oz of protein at each meal. That's about the size of a deck of cards or the palm of your hand or about 1/2 cup of items like beans or lentils.[6]
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4Fill up on fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are high in nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals and are also low in calories. Making half of your plate a fruit or vegetable helps cut down on your overall caloric intake.[7]
- Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. Choosing a different colored fruit or vegetable is an easy way to eat different vitamins and antioxidants.
- In general, aim for about 1-2 servings of fruit a day (about 1 small fruit or 1/2 cup of sliced fruit per serving) and at least 3-4 servings of vegetables (1 cup or 2 cups leafy vegetables per serving).[8] Keep in mind that you can eat extra vegetables without throwing off your diet. In fact, eating more vegetables may help you to feel full and make it easier stick with your diet.
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5Eat moderate amounts of 100% whole grains. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber and a few vitamins and minerals.[9] If choosing to eat grains, aim to choose whole grains when possible.
- Whole grains are an unprocessed grain. They contain the hull, germ and endosperm parts of the grain.[10]
- Whole grains include: brown rice, 100% whole wheat pasta, oats, quinoa and 100% whole grain breads. Popcorn is also considered a whole grain.
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6Eat healthy snacks. Having the occasional healthy snack is appropriate when you're trying to lose weight. In addition, a snack may even help support your weight loss efforts.[11]
- If you really want to snack, think about whether it's necessary. A low-calorie snack can be a good option when there's more than 4-5 hours between meals, before or after a workout or you're feeling very hungry and there's more than 2 hours until your next meal.[12]
- Try to keep your snacks between 100-200 calories. This will help get you to your next meal without blowing your daily calorie budget. Including fruits, vegetables and lean protein help keep snacks calorie-controlled while still being nutritious.[13]
- Healthy snacks can include: cottage cheese and fruit, 2 hard boiled eggs, 1/3 cup of trail mix, or air-popped popcorn without butter.
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7Drink adequate amounts of fluid. Staying hydrated can also aid in weight loss. Aim to drink about 64 oz or 8 glasses of clear, sugar-free liquids daily. Although this is a general rule of thumb, it's a good place to start.[14]
- Even mild, chronic dehydration can slow weight loss. When you're dehydrated or feeling thirsty, many times this feels like hunger. This could be triggering you to eat, when you just need a few sips of water.[15]
- Keep track of how much water or other fluids you consume daily by keeping a labeled water bottle near by.
- You can decrease or manage portion sizes by drinking a large glass of water right before your meal. This may help make you feel satiated a bit sooner.
- Avoid sweetened beverages. Avoiding soda, fruit juice, punch, sports drinks, energy drinks, kool-aide, sweet tea, lemonade, sweetened coffees, etc. can make a huge impact on your daily calorie intake. You may even lose weight just by eliminating these drinks.
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8Pick healthy options at restaurants. Going out for a bite to eat is something that's fun, social and can be included even on a weight loss plan. Be careful about the items you choose and try to pick a meal that will fit into your overall eating pattern.
- Restaurant foods can be higher in calories, fat and sodium compared to homemade foods. Many times, this is due to sauces, dressings, marinades or added oils or butter. Ask to have these things served on the side.
- Pass on the starch. Eating only protein and a vegetable may help keep your overall calorie levels low.
- Choose an appetizer portion or a kids portion to help minimize larger portion sizes that are served at restaurants.
- Limit or skip the alcohol and desserts. These can be significant sources of extra calories when you go out to eat. For example, a frozen margarita can have 675 calories and a slice of molten lava cake may be over 1,100 calories!
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:
Incorporating Physical Activity for Weight Loss
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1Do cardiovascular exercises weekly. It's recommended to do about 150 minutes or 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can help support weight loss and long-term weight maintenance.[16]
- Aerobic activities can include exercises like: walking, jogging, swimming, biking or hiking.
- Exercise is a great support to weight loss, but it is only part of the weight loss picture. Exercise alone will not always cause weight loss. The best combination is to do aerobic exercise along with a calorie-controlled diet for the best results.[17]
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2Perform strength training weekly. Weight lifting or resistance training is another important part of your exercise routine. Try to include about 1-2 days of strength training each week for the best weight loss benefit.[18]
- Strength training includes activities like: weight lifting, Pilates or isometric exercises like push-ups or crunches.
- Avoid doing strength training every day. It's important to allow your muscles to rest and recover after each strength training session.[19]
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3Meet with a personal trainer. Making a consult with a personal trainer is a great idea to help you get started with an exercise routine. These fitness professionals will be able to show you how to use a variety of gym equipment, design a workout plan for you and may help you stay motivated.
- Check with some local gyms to see if they are offering any discounts or specials on personal training sessions. Many times they'll offer a free session if you sign up for the gym membership.
- Although multiple personal training sessions can be expensive, you may only need a few so you can learn the ropes of the gym and an appropriate workout for you.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:
Monitoring Your Progress
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1Track your meals in a food journal. Tracking your meals, snacks and beverages in a food journal can help you become more aware of what you eat and also help you stay on track with a new diet plan.[20]
- Purchase a journal or download a journaling app on your smart phone. Track as many days as you can. Ideally, track a few weekdays and a few weekend days. Many people eat different on weekends compared to a more structured work day.
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2Weigh yourself daily. Check in with your weight daily to see how you are coming along with your weight loss. Regular daily weight check-ins may also help keep you motivated and improve your weight loss results. Step on the scale every morning as part of your daily routine, such as right before you brush your teeth in the morning.[21]
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3Write down your goals. Writing down goals can be helpful with any type of change, but is especially helpful with weight loss. Jot down a few ideas of the goals you want to achieve throughout your 3 month timeline.
- Be specific with your goal. Make sure it's timely, specific and realistic. Remember, large amounts of weight loss are not realistic and are most likely not safe or healthy.
- Set smaller goals before your long-term goals. Maybe make a goal for each month or every two weeks during your 3 month timeline.
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QuestionI love junk food. How can I avoid eating it?
Claudia Carberry, RD, MSClaudia Carberry is a Registered Dietitian specializing in kidney transplants and counseling patients for weight loss at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Claudia received her MS in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 2010.
Master's Degree, Nutrition, University of Tennessee KnoxvilleMaster's Degree, Nutrition, University of Tennessee KnoxvilleExpert AnswerStop bringing these tempting foods into your home. If they are not around, you are less likely to eat them. Only eat in the kitchen, at a table- not in front of the TV or in the bedroom.
Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionHow can I lose weight if I can't exercise?Claudia Carberry, RD, MSClaudia Carberry is a Registered Dietitian specializing in kidney transplants and counseling patients for weight loss at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Claudia received her MS in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 2010.
Master's Degree, Nutrition, University of Tennessee KnoxvilleMaster's Degree, Nutrition, University of Tennessee KnoxvilleExpert AnswerIf you are unable to exercise, focus on the nutrition portions of this article.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionI am 95 years old. How can I lose weight?Claudia Carberry, RD, MSClaudia Carberry is a Registered Dietitian specializing in kidney transplants and counseling patients for weight loss at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Claudia received her MS in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 2010.
Master's Degree, Nutrition, University of Tennessee KnoxvilleMaster's Degree, Nutrition, University of Tennessee KnoxvilleExpert AnswerIf you are 95 years old, I do not suggest you losing any weight, no matter how much you weigh. At your age, you will lose a lot of muscle mass if you attempt weight loss. That will put you at risk for weakness and falls, which can be fatal.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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References
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/basics/weightloss-basics/hlv-20049483
- ↑ http://www.eatright.org/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/calories/art-20048065
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25926512
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/protein
- ↑ https://www.choosemyplate.gov/eathealthy/protein-foods/protein-foods-nutrients-health
- ↑ https://www.choosemyplate.gov/eathealthy/vegetables
- ↑ https://www.choosemyplate.gov/eathealthy/vegetables
- ↑ http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/definition-of-whole-grains
- ↑ http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/definition-of-whole-grains
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/healthy-diet/art-20046267
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/healthy-diet/art-20046267
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/healthy-diet/art-20046267?pg=2
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/exercise-and-weight-loss-five-truths
- ↑ http://www.choosemyplate.gov/physical-activity-amount
- ↑ https://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/recoveryUNM.html
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-keep-a-food-diary-2019013115855
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/01/02/the-pros-and-cons-of-weighing-yourself-every-day
About This Article
Claudia Carberry, RD, MS
Master's Degree, Nutrition, University of Tennessee Knoxville
This article was co-authored by Claudia Carberry, RD, MS. Claudia Carberry is a Registered Dietitian specializing in kidney transplants and counseling patients for weight loss at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Claudia received her MS in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 2010. This article has been viewed 300,916 times.
Co-authors: 31
Updated: July 29, 2022
Views: 300,916
Categories: Weight Loss Goals
Article SummaryX
To lose weight in 3 months, aim to eat lean protein with every meal, such as poultry, beef, eggs, or tofu, as studies show this supports weight loss. You should also fill up on fruits and vegetables, as they are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but low in calories. Additionally, try to drink about 8 glasses of clear, sugar-free liquids a day, as this helps to suppress your appetite. Also, aim for 150 minutes of cardio exercise a week, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or biking, to burn off calories. For more tips from our Dietary co-author, including how to keep track of your weight loss, read on!
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