Picture this. We’re standing in front of the mirror, staring at those stubborn extra pounds we’ve been carrying around. Sound familiar? Yeah, we’ve all been there.
How long does it take to lose 40 lbs? So, let’s cut to the chase. Just how long does it really take to drop those 40 pounds? It’s a question that’s crossed all our minds at some point or another.
But here’s the thing. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every person has a different weight loss journey unique to each of us. It depends on many factors which is why I am here to break it down and help us find our own path to success.
Understanding weight loss
- Let’s talk expectations. There are reasons and it’s important to set realistic goals from the start. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and those pounds aren’t going to disappear overnight. But with a little patience and perseverance, we’ll get there
- There are many factors that come into play which influence our weight loss journey such as:-
- our genes
- our metabolism
- our lifestyle
All the above play a role in how our weight loss journey unfolds. It’s a personalized puzzle, and I’m here to help us piece it together.
Setting realistic goals
How fast do we expect to see those extra pounds vanish? Experts typically recommend aiming for 1-2 pounds per week which is…. ideal. This is to aim for a safe and sustainable weight loss journey.
Let’s be real for a moment. Who wouldn’t love the idea of magically melting away fat like it’s nothing, right? But let’s get one thing straight: I’m definitely not suggesting you try to drop 40 pounds in just two weeks. That’s just crazy talk. It’s important to keep things realistic and safe when it comes to weight loss.
Slow and steady wins the race, right?
Here is a simple calculation. Ideally, lose 1-2 pounds per week and that makes up to approximately 20- 40 weeks. This means that generally to lose 40 pounds, it is estimated to take about 5-10 months to see the effect.
Bear in mind, that this is not a consistent figure. Some weeks we may lose more, some weeks less. The important thing is to stay focused on the bigger picture and celebrate every small victory along the way.
Factors influencing weight loss duration
Starting weight plays a role. The bigger we are in the beginning the faster we see the difference. This is because many of us are losing the water weight in the beginning.
We will see a plateau for months thereafter which is normal. I will explain further in this post what to do if our weight is stagnant for weeks.
Other factor are such as:-
- diet
- exercise
- sleep
- stress
- hydration and lastly a surprise
- GENDER
Do not overlook the little things above.
Women generally lose slower as compared to men but we are good at containing the loss in the long term.
Strategies for success
A. Developing healthy habits for sustainable weight loss
Now, let’s talk strategy. Healthy habits are our secret weapon. We’re talking nourishing foods, regular exercise, and plenty of self-care.
B. Nourishing the body with nutritious foods
When it comes to food, quality beats quantity every time. Let’s fuel our bodies with whole, nutrient-packed foods that’ll keep us feeling satisfied and energized.
C. Staying active in an enjoyable way
Exercise is not a chore. It is a lifestyle. Exercises can be something we enjoy such as dancing, hiking, or hitting the gym with our favorite instructor!
D. Prioritizing sleep and stress management
Oh, and don’t skimp on sleep. I know we mothers are so sleep-deprived. Our body needs those Z’s to function at its best, and managing stress is key to staying on track. Get help from our partner, friends, or neighbors to free out a yoga or meditation session, or simply take a power nap.
E. Building a supportive community
Last but not least, surround ourselves with a supportive community. Whether it’s friends, family, or fellow weight loss warriors, having a support system can make all the difference.
How long to lose 40 pounds?
How long does it really take to lose this much of weight? Ideally 8-10 months.
Lets do another round of calculations again.
| 1 pound = 3,500 calories 1.5 pounds = 4,250 calories Losing 1.5 pounds per week = cut 600 calories per day With this pace, we can aim to lose 40 pounds a little faster in a healthy way |
What to do if our weight hits a plateau for weeks
This phenomenon is entirely normal and expected. Our bodies are naturally resistant to change. However, as things begin to normalize for our bodies, they adapt accordingly to the new lifestyle.
This is why we incorporate a variety of variations into our routines. This keeps our bodies challenged and prevents them from getting too comfortable, leading to continued progress and growth
I recommend focusing on adding more exercise to our training routine rather than solely reducing calorie intake when aiming to lose weight.
Exercises such as swimming, hiking, leisure walking will burn the additional calories to aim for the ideal timeframe to shed off the extra pounds.
The rationale behind this approach is that reducing calorie intake can cause the body to slow down its metabolism in an effort to conserve energy. To awaken and revitalize our metabolism, incorporating additional exercise is essential.
Conclusion
Weight loss is a journey not a race. Be realistic, stay consistent and be kind to ourselves. Remember with a little patience and perseverance, we’ll get there.
What I had practiced resulted in me losing close to 40 pounds in 40 days. You may read the story here. Learn how to lose 40 pounds fast with me.
| Results may vary for different people. What had worked for me may not work for you. Take this as a guide to aim to lose weight healthily. |
We’re on our way to becoming the best versions of ourselves, and we couldn’t be prouder. Drop me an e-mail if you have any other questions.
Stay connected with us for more tips, inspiration, and support on our weight loss journey. Together, we’ll reach those goals and then some. We’ve got this!
