Diet

10 Ways to Lose 5 Pounds by This Weekend

Sure, a months-long healthy diet is the real key to lasting weight loss. But you can lose weight quickly and safely. Here's how

by Kristina Grish

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Slash Your Sodium Who knew your favorite granola bar or canned tuna could double as a salt lick? In a recent report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about American sodium consumption, researchers found that approximately 75 percent of the sodium in the typical American diet doesn't come from the shaker -- it's added to commercial foods during processing, or while a restaurant cook's prepping your meal. In fact, only about 25 percent occurs naturally or is added at the table or in home cooking, the CDC report explained.

Cut the added sodium and you'll lose water weight and bloat. To tackle the excess white stuff, consume "no more than 500 mg of added sodium per day -- like salt from processed or prepared foods," says Beth Reardon, director of integrative nutrition at Duke Integrative Medicine. She says a lot of seemingly "healthy" foods (think processed cereals, cottage cheese, and even frozen vegetable mixes!) are high in salt. The good news? These can easily be replaced with oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and fresh DIY veggie/grain combos.

One trick: The more potassium you consume, the more your body will get rid of sodium, says Reardon. Sweet potatoes, coconut water, apricots, bananas, cantaloupes, figs, oranges, and beats are all high in the big P.

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Older comments

I use to share and food with my dog and that way I didn't feel bad about not eat it all But sad to say my dog passed away and I'm gaining weight because I have to eat it All

by ladyracer Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 05:46PM Report as inappropriate

Love the story. It all makes sense. Nothing is easy. I will start today and let you know if 5 lbs disappear !

by Abbymax Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 09:23AM Report as inappropriate

Very interesting. I'm curious if it really works. very good information though. I may try it to see if its for me.

by Carl30 Friday, April 19, 2013 at 08:24AM Report as inappropriate

Like the tip of using potassiumto negate sodium levels!

by shellybethy Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 06:07PM Report as inappropriate

i would want to loose 20 lbs

by mlyvng Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 12:40PM Report as inappropriate

Very obvious, yet helpful tips.

by hiddenexpose Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 08:22PM Report as inappropriate

I never though breathing could help in weight loss. The fact that you need adequate oxygen to burn fat makes a lot of sense

by fezino Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 10:04AM Report as inappropriate

Well these were some interesting tips. I really like the breathing technique :p

by NillaButterfly Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 04:19PM Report as inappropriate

Fantastic! The more often you eat (smaller portions and healthy foods), the more you do rev up your metabolism. Not enough can be said about movement. I started at a new school (a huge building) a few years ago and had to run the stairs to make sure I made it to classes on time. I started to lose weight and couldn't stop. Water, water, water--absolutely necessary to fill you up, help you lose weight, and keep your skin plumped and glowing!

by GigiSD Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 01:50PM Report as inappropriate

amazing tips! thanks :D

by rayshaviolet Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 04:44PM Report as inappropriate