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Sarah Mitchell — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor
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How to Handle Lose 10 Pounds in 10 Days Step by Step

When lose 10 pounds in 10 days leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

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1

Cut carbohydrates

Cut carbohydrates
To lose weight quickly, eliminate simple, or refined, carbs like white bread, pasta, cereal, sweets, and soda. All carbohydrates break down into glucose, which provides your body with energy. Reducing your carb intake causes your body to burn stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss. In fact, research shows that people who reduce their carbohydrate intake tend to lose more weight than those who do not.
  • Limiting carbs can help you feel fuller longer
  • Reducing carbs can lead to a faster metabolism
  • Be careful not to cut out entire food groups, such as whole grains and fruits
  • To lose weight quickly, eliminate simple, or refined, carbs like white bread, pasta, cereal, sweets, and soda.
  • All carbohydrates break down into glucose, which provides your body with energy.
2

Eliminate junk food

Eliminate junk food
Junk food is full of added salt, sugar, and saturated fat, which can stop you from losing weight. Eliminate it from your diet by keeping it out of your home, and clean out your pantry, fridge, and freezer to take away temptation. Avoid eating out at restaurants that do not offer healthy options, and steer clear of the fast food industry.
  • Fast food is high in calories, salt, and sugar
  • Removing junk food from your diet can lead to a significant reduction in calorie intake
  • Be prepared for cravings and have a plan in place to deal with them
  • Junk food is full of added salt, sugar, and saturated fat, which can stop you from losing weight.
  • Eliminate it from your diet by keeping it out of your home, and clean out your pantry, fridge, and freezer to take away temptation.
3

Eliminate sugar from your diet

Eliminate sugar from your diet
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to less than 6% of your daily calories, which is about 6 teaspoons (25 g) of sugar per day for women and 9 teaspoons (36 g) per day for men. To lose weight quickly, you may want to consider eliminating even more.
  • Reducing sugar intake can lead to a faster metabolism
  • Cutting out sugary drinks can save you up to 200 calories per day
  • Be mindful of hidden sources of sugar in foods like sauces and condiments
  • The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to less than 6% of your daily calories, which is about 6 teaspoons (25 g) of sugar per day for women and 9 teaspoons (36 g) per day for men.
  • To lose weight quickly, you may want to consider eliminating even more.
4

Increase protein intake

Increase protein intake
For most people, upping their protein intake is the key to losing weight. Protein can help you feel fuller longer, keep lean muscle mass, and burn calories more quickly. In a weight loss study, people who doubled their protein intake lost more fat and maintained more muscle than those who ate the recommended daily amount.
  • Protein takes more energy to digest than carbs or fat
  • Increasing protein intake can help you feel fuller longer
  • Make sure to consume enough protein at each meal to support weight loss
  • For most people, upping their protein intake is the key to losing weight.
  • Protein can help you feel fuller longer, keep lean muscle mass, and burn calories more quickly.

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References

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/low-carb-diet/art-20045831
  2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/8-ways-to-lose-belly-fat-and-live-a-healthier-life
  3. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/carbohydrates/
  4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6146358/
  5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20047342
  6. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/10/30/why-sugar-matters-and-how-to-cut-back-if-you-are-eating-too-much-of-it
  7. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/finding-the-hidden-sugar-in-the-foods-you-eat
  8. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-much-protein-to-eat-to-lose-weight
  9. https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1096/fj.13-230227
  10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7539343/
  11. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-much-protein-do-you-need-every-day-201506188096
  12. https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/high-protein-foods-the-best-protein-sources-to-include-in-a-healthy-diet
  13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23826600/
  14. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/does-drinking-water-before-meals-really-help-you-lose-weight-202402203018
  15. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256?pg=1
  16. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5409798/
  17. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/ultra-processed-foods-appear-to-cause-overeating-and-weight-gain
  18. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000109.htm
  19. https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
  20. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/calories/art-20048065
  21. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/calorie-counting-made-easy
  22. https://nutrition.org/small-frequent-meals/
  23. https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/how-understand-and-use-nutrition-facts-label
  24. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/exercise/art-20050999
  25. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/does-hitting-10000-steps-a-day-really-make-a-difference/
  26. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20047752
  27. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10584049/
  28. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3109668/
  29. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/weight-loss-common-myths

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