7-Day Diet Plan To Lose 10 Pounds For People In A Time Crunch

With the holidays approaching, everyone wants to look their best for any planned parties, trips, or vacations. Unfortunately, many of us have not put in the work to get into better shape and now we are in a time crunch.

We all know that healthy weight loss takes time, but with time against us, is there a shortcut for this? Is it time to consider popular fast weight loss diets that promise quick results in a week or less?

Can a 7-day diet meal plan to lose 10 pounds be the answer to all your problems? Read on to learn more about the 7-day diet plan for weight loss. You’ll find out if it actually works or if it’s just another fad, we’ll share some ideas for healthy meals for weight loss, and much more.

How to Lose 10 pounds in a Week?

Can You Really Lose 10 Pounds in a Week?

No, you cannot.

Contrary to what many extreme weight loss methods and diets, such as the 7-day diet to lose 10 pounds, say or promise, it is impossible to lose 10 pounds in a week.

Weight loss, specifically through dietary changes, comes from a calorie deficit – this is where you eat fewer calories than your body needs in a day. Ordinarily, to lose weight, you need to cut approximately 500 to 1,000 calories a day from your typical diet, equating to 3,500 to 7,000 fewer calories per week. As a pound of fat is equivalent to 3,500 calories, such a deficit will most likely help you cut your weight by 1 to 2 pounds a week (9, 13). 

A point to remember is that a calorie deficit does not mean you should starve yourself. Even while on a deficit, adult women should not consume fewer than 1,200 calories a day and adult men should not consume fewer than 1,500 calories a day(4).

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How Much Weight Can You Safely Lose in a Week?

Safe weight loss involves losing 1 to 2 pounds a week at most.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), not only is this safe, it is also healthy. This kind of weight loss at a steady and gradual speed has a greater chance of success as people are more likely to be able to keep the weight off in the long term (16).

Therefore, you can see that looking for a 7-day diet plan to lose 10 pounds will lead to unhealthy weight loss. On the off chance that you lose 10 pounds in just 1 week, once you stop eating the way the diet dictates, all the weight you lost will come back almost straight away.

If you want to keep the weight off in the long term, you must be willing to practice patience and forgo quick fixes, opting instead for a healthy diet plan to lose weight.

How Can I Lose 10 Pounds Fast?

You may not be able to lose 10 pounds in just 7 days, but with patience, the right diet, and healthy practices, you can achieve this goal over a couple of weeks. Here are some changes you can make to your diet and life that will speed up this process:

Simple And Fast Ways to Lose Weight

1. Go on a calorie deficit – A calorie deficit is the process that is created when you consistently provide your body with fewer calories than it needs to burn each day. Without enough food to burn for fuel, your body turns to the extra fat that is stored in your body and uses it as an energy source, leading to weight loss (22).

2. Start working out – Exercise is tremendous for losing weight. When you work out, your metabolism increases, which then boosts the number of calories that you burn in a day. 

Working out also increases your lean muscle mass – the more muscle you gain the more calories you will burn during the day. Remember that even when you are at rest, 10 pounds of muscle burns 50 calories while the same amount of fat burns just 20 calories a day (2).

Your workouts should include cardio exercises such as skipping rope, swimming, running, walking, and cycling and weight lifting/strength training. 

3. Try intermittent fasting – Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that cycles between fasting hours and feeding windows.

The reason intermittent fasting works for weight loss is that it helps you eat fewer calories. As the feeding windows are limited hours, this limits the amount of time you have to eat, which creates a calorie deficit on a regular basis.

4. Eat more healthy fats – These come from foods such as nuts, olive oil, avocados, fatty fish, whole eggs, and chia seeds. Healthy fats help keep you feeling fuller for longer and can boost your metabolism (3).

5. Eat more protein – A higher consumption of protein in your diet will cause weight loss as it boosts your metabolism through digestion, increases calorie burning by 80 to 100 calories a day, and reduces your appetite, which makes you eat less.

Healthy protein sources include meat such as beef, chicken, pork, and lamb, plant-based sources such as beans, lentils, soybeans, and edamame, oily fish such as salmon, trout, and tuna, and eggs.

6. Eat more vegetables – They are low in calories and carbs, which makes them perfect for anyone who is trying to lose weight. Unlike other foods, you can eat larger volumes of vegetables without going over your calorie limit.

Vegetables you should include in your grocery list are leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, spinach, kale, collard greens, cabbages, and bok choy and low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms, and green beans.

7. Eat more whole grains – Whole grains are full of fiber, which helps keep you feeling fuller and stops you eating too much. Examples of whole grains include bulgur, oatmeal, brown and wild rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread and pasta.

8. Cut down on sugar and refined carbs – They add empty calories to your diet, which is detrimental to your weight loss plans.

Read more: 6 Dirty Fasting Mistakes You’re Making That May Get In The Way of Weight Loss

What Can I Eat Every Day to Lose 10 Pounds?

From the above list, it can be seen that a diet that is rich in protein, healthy fats, an array of vegetables, and whole grains is the best way to help you lose 10 pounds or more, depending on your weight loss goals.

However, while a healthy calorie deficit diet plan to lose weight is essential for success, it is not the only thing that matters. Other factors that influence sustainable and safe weight loss include (14):

Your sleep schedule 

Lack of sleep has been shown to increase your appetite, making you eat, snack, or ‘graze’ more, which negatively impacts a calorie deficit.

Insufficient sleep also leads to metabolic dysregulation, which has been found to be linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes (21).

Exercise more 

Working out means different things to different people. To some it simply means taking a 30-minute walk 5 to 7 days a week. To others, it means running, lifting weights, hiking, crossfit, HIIT, or dancing.

Whatever it means to you, make sure you set aside a minimum of 30 minutes every day for exercise. As was mentioned above, working out increases metabolism, which leads to more calorie burning and ultimately weight loss.

Reduce stress 

Being stressed is bad for your mental health and your physical health. When you are stressed, the body releases the hormones adrenaline and cortisol into your system. Cortisol specifically increases your sugar cravings and slows down your metabolism.

A high-sugar diet will lead to weight gain and a slower metabolism means less calorie burning and more stored fat. In a study published in the Biological Psychiatry journal, researchers found women with higher stress levels burned 104 fewer calories than women who weren’t stressed (10).

Drink more water 

Not only does a higher water intake ensure you are not dehydrated, it can also help you consume fewer calories throughout the day.

Drinking water also temporarily increases your energy expenditure, which means you can burn more calories in a day. Cold or room temperature water is said to work best for this (6, 11).

Increase your fiber and protein intake 

Protein increases satiety and boosts metabolism, while fiber takes a long time to digest and also increases satiety, which helps you stick to a calorie deficit and leads to fat and weight loss (12, 18).

Sample 7-Day Diet Plan for Weight Loss

Please note that this is not a meal plan to help you lose 10 pounds in a week. As previously stated, this cannot work. Instead, this is a sample 7-day diet meal plan to lose 10 pounds over a period of time such as a month and a half to two months. You can also use this as a template to show you what foods you should add to a 21-day diet plan to lose 10 pounds.

Monday

Meal 1 – Eggs and toast

1/2 cup egg whites, 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil, 5 cherry tomatoes, 1 slice whole-wheat toast, 1/2 cup raspberries, 1 cup skim milk

Calories: 333. Fats: 7 g, Proteins: 27 g, Carbs: 43 g.

Meal 2 – Yogurt and fruit

1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt and 1/2 cup strawberry halves

Calories: 74. Fats: 0 g, Proteins: 9 g, Carbs: 10 g.

Meal 3 – Buddha bowl

3/4 cup cooked bulgur, 113 g grilled chicken, 1 tbsp vegan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped onion, 1/4 cup sliced zucchini, 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper, 1 tbsp cilantro, 2 tbsp tahini

Calories: 519. Fats: 27 g, Proteins: 37 g, Carbs: 38 g.

Meal 4 – Dinner

133 g grilled salmon, 1 cup wild rice, 1 tbsp almonds, 2 cups baby spinach, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup cubed cantaloupe

Calories: 503. Fats: 15 g, Proteins: 39 g, Carbs: 50 g.

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1,366. Fats: 49 g, Proteins: 98 g, Carbs: 140 g.

Tuesday

Meal 1 – Breakfast

3/4 cup bran flakes, 1 medium-sized banana, 14 g raisins, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

Calories: 289. Fats: 3 g, Proteins: 6 g, Carbs: 63 g.

Meal 2 – Sandwich and fruit

1 whole-wheat pita, 85 g turkey breast, 1/2 large bell pepper, 1 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise, 1 tsp mustard, 3 lettuce leaves, 2 medium-sized kiwis

Calories: 413. Fats: 8 g, Proteins: 30 g, Carbs: 59 g.

Meal 3 – Sweet potato miso tempeh (20)

2 tbsp miso paste, 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce,  2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp raw honey, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 1/4 tsp granulated garlic, 1/4 tsp cayenne powder, 2 packages of tempeh, 1/2 kg sweet potatoes, 453 g green beans

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Calories for one serving: 413. Fats: 8 g, Proteins: 30 g, Carbs: 59 g.

Meal 4 – Fruit bowl

1 cup watermelon, 2 passion fruits, 1 medium-sized banana

Calories: 185. Fats: 1 g, Proteins: 3 g, Carbs: 47 g.

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1,317. Fats: 26 g, Proteins: 67 g, Carbs: 223 g.

Wednesday

Meal 1 – Protein oatmeal

1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 5 tbsp protein powder, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp chocolate chips

Calories: 414. Fats: 9 g, Proteins: 32 g, Carbs: 54 g.

Meal 2 – Paleo cobb salad (24)

For the salad – 1 1/2 eggs, 3 slices bacon – sugar and nitrate free, 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 cups cooked chicken, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halves, 1/2 avocado, 1 1/2 stalks of green onions

For the dressing – 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/8 tsp sea salt, 1/16 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 garlic clove

This recipe makes 2 servings.

Calories: 512. Fats: 42 g, Proteins: 27 g, Carbs: 8 g.

Meal 3 – Nourish bowl

1/2 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup butternut squash, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/2 medium-sized avocado, 2 tbsp cilantro, 1 cup kale, 85 g grilled chicken

Calories: 457. Fats: 20 g, Proteins: 26 g, Carbs: 53 g

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1,383. Fats: 71 g, Proteins: 85 g, Carbs: 115 g

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Thursday

Meal 1 – Breakfast

3/4 rolled oats, 1/2 cup skim milk, 2 turkey sausages, 1 cup blueberries

Calories: 559. Fats: 12 g, Proteins: 43 g, Carbs: 67 g

Meal 2 – Chicken tahini and cucumber salad

For the chicken – 1/4 cup tahini, 3 tbsp parsley, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp water, 1 tbsp rosemary, 2 tbsp lemon rind, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp red pepper, 1 garlic clove, 1 small onion, 680 g skinless, boneless chicken thighs, 1/2 tsp salt

For the salad – 1 cup cucumber, 1 cup chopped tomatoes, 1 cup parsley, 1/4 cup chopped mint, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 cups brown rice

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Calories: 448. Fats: 18.6 g, Proteins: 39 g, Carbs: 31 g

Meal 3 – Salsa-simmered fish (19)

2 tbsp olive oil, 4 3/4-inch thick skinless cod filets, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves, 16 oz tomato salsa, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp oregano leaves

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Calories for one serving: 226. Fats: 8.3 g, Proteins: 31.4 g, Carbs: 5.8 g.

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1,233. Fats: 38.9 g, Proteins: 113.4 g, Carbs: 103.8 g

Friday

Meal 1 – Breakfast

4 egg whites, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp diced mushrooms, 2 tbsp onions, 2 tbsp refried beans, 2 tbsp mango salsa

Calories: 329. Fats: 6 g, Proteins: 23 g, Carbs: 18 g

Meal 2 – Snack

1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt, 1 tbsp walnuts, 1 small apple

Calories: 147. Fats: 5 g, Proteins: 4 g, Carbs: 24 g

Meal 3 – Fruit and salad

1 tsp olive oil, 2 tbsp low-fat cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 can diced mushrooms, 2 cups romaine lettuce, 1 cup chopped kale, 113 g grilled chicken, 1 medium-sized orange, 1 cup skim milk

Calories: 400. Fats: 11 g, Proteins: 43 g, Carbs: 38 g

Meal 4 – Grilled chicken with nectarine salsa

1 kg skinless and boneless chicken breast, 2 tbsp coconut sugar, 1 tbsp chili powder, 3 garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice

For the salsa – 2 cups diced nectarine, 1/2 cup diced red pepper, 1/4 cup minced onion, 2 tbsp cilantro, 1 small pepper, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp salt, 1 avocado

Calories: 351. Fats: 12.8 g, Proteins: 37.2 g, Carbs: 23.2 g

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1,227. Fats: 34.8 g, Proteins: 107.2 g, Carbs: 103.2 g

Saturday

Meal 1 – Egg and avocado toast

2 slices protein bread, 1/2 medium-sized avocado, 1 large scrambled egg, salt and chili flakes to taste

Calories: 431. Fats: 21 g, Proteins: 22 g, Carbs: 43 g

Meal 2 – Chicken avocado black bean salad (8)

3 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 kg boneless skinless chicken breast, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp chili powder, 4 cloves garlic, 425 g black beans, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 cups cherry tomatoes, 2 green onions, 2 medium-sized avocados, 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, 4 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp agave, a pinch of cayenne pepper

Calories: 676. Fats: 27 g, Proteins: 56 g, Carbs: 55 g

Meal 3 – Mexican bean soup with guacamole (17)

2 tsp rapeseed oil, 1 large onion, 1 red pepper, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tsp mild chili powder, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 400 g can chopped tomatoes, 400 g can black beans, 1 tsp vegetable bouillon powder, 1 small avocado, handful chopped coriander, 1 lime juiced

This recipe makes 2 servings.

Calories for one serving: 391. Fats: 15 g, Proteins: 15 g, Carbs: 38 g

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1,498. Fats: 63 g, Proteins: 93 g, Carbs: 136 g

Sunday

Meal 1 – Smoothie

1 medium-sized grapefruit, 1 cup strawberry halves, 1 medium-sized apple, 15 g ginger, 1 scoop plant-based protein powder, water

Calories: 348. Fats: 3 g, Proteins: 24 g, Carbs: 61 g.

Meal 2 – Mixed greens salad

1 cup chopped kale, 6 Brussels sprouts, 2 cups raw shredded radicchio, 2 tbsp dried cranberries, 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds, 226 g boiled chicken

Calories: 441. Fats: 8 g. Proteins: 65 g. Carbs: 37 g

Meal 3 – Brown rice and beans

1 1/5 cups brown rice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion, 1 medium bell pepper, 3 garlic cloves, 450 g vegetable broth, 425 g canned tomatoes, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 2 cups kidney beans

This recipe makes 3 servings. 1 serving = 1.5 cups

Calories: 495. Fats: 6 g. Protein: 17 g. Carbs: 95 g

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1,284. Fats: 17 g. Protein: 106 g. Carbs: 193 g.

How to Make a 7-Day Diet Plan to Lose 10 Pounds

No diet plan will magically help you lose 10 pounds in a week – not even a very low carbohydrate diet such as keto. However, if you enjoy healthy meal/food planning, you can make a 7-day ketogenic diet plan that can help you lose 10 pounds in a couple of weeks.

Here’s how:

1. Reduce your carbohydrate intake – The keto diet is one of the strictest in terms of what you can and cannot eat, particularly in terms of carbs.

As a general rule, your macro intake should be 55 to 60 percent fat, 30 to 35 percent protein, and 5 to 10 percent carbohydrates (15).

2. Stock up on keto-friendly foods – As mentioned above, most carbohydrate foods will need to go.

In place of carbs, you should add more foods such as eggs, beef, poultry and turkey, fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, full-fat milk and dairy products, a variety of seeds and nuts for healthy fats and fiber, and non-starchy vegetables and leafy greens.

3. Avoid highly processed foods – Not only are they not healthy, they may contain too much salt or sugar, which could take you out of ketosis.

4. Limit your intake of high carb-high sugar fruits, alcohol, starchy vegetables, and beans and legumes

Read more: 19 Protein Shake Recipes for Weight Loss, Muscle Gain, and Delicious Flavors

FAQs

• How Can You Lose a Pound a Day?

Contrary to what any quick fix diet may promise, you cannot lose 1 pound a day. Losing 1 pound a day is unhealthy and could very likely be a sign of an underlying health issue. You should consult a doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment (7).

• How Much Weight Can You Realistically Lose In 7 Days?

Healthy weight loss will help you lose approximately 1 to 2 pounds a week

• How Can I Lose Weight Fast?

Unfortunately, there is no trick to weight loss. You need to practice patience, eat right, and work out consistently. You should see good results within three months.

The Bottom Line

A 7-day diet plan to lose 10 pounds should be used as a guide or stepping stone to more healthy meals that can help you lose weight over an extended period of time, rather than in a single week. Not only is losing 10 pounds in a week an impossible feat, it could also be extremely dangerous to your health.

Instead of looking for a 7-day diet meal plan to lose 10 pounds in a week, you should use this eating plan to learn more about balanced nutrition, and give yourself more time to achieve this desired long-lasting weight goal. Please remember to consult a doctor or dietitian before you attempt any new weight loss diet plan.