tips: 2 lbs a week

Losing two pounds a week: try to burn 500 calories per day for a total of 3,500 a week.

Activities to burn 500 calories:
• Walk 40 minutes at a level 8 on a hilly course (or crank up the incline on the treadmill).
• Do 36 minutes of running intervals: Jog for 1 minute at a level 5, sprint 1 minute at a level 9. Repeat 18 times.
• Take a 45-minute Spinning class.
• Dance to a good beat for 72 minutes at a level 7.
• Hit the elliptical machine for 60 minutes, doing intervals. Do 2 minutes at a level 8, then 1 minute at a level 5. Repeat 20 times.
• Swim freestyle for 50 minutes at a level 8.
• Use the rowing machine for 40 minutes, doing intervals: Go 8 minutes at a level 8, then 2 minutes at a level 4. Repeat 4 times.

Activities to burn 250 calories:
• Walk for 35 minutes at a level 7.
• Run for 20 minutes at a level 7.
• Bike for 30 minutes at a level 5.
• Dance for 50 minutes at a level 4.
• Hit the elliptical machine for 30 minutes at a level 8.
• Swim freestyle for 25 minutes at a level 8.
• Use the rowing machine for 28 minutes at a level 8.

Activities to burn 100 calories:
• Walk for 25 minutes at a level 4.
• Run for 12 minutes at a level 4.
• Bike for 17 minutes at a level 4.
• Dance for 20 minutes at a level 4.
• Hit the elliptical machine for 15 minutes at a level 5.
• Swim freestyle for 15 minutes at a level 5.
• Use the rowing machine for 25 minutes at a level 5.

Here are some simple steps in order to lose 2 pounds a week:

1. Cut down on empty calories - In today's society, we all put so much junk into our bodies that it's no wonder there's an obesity epidemic. If you want to lose 2 pounds a week, you need to cut down on empty and useless calories. Here's how: cut down on fast food, fried food, food items with trans fat (read the label on the package if you're not sure), alcohol, sugary sodas like coca-cola, 7Up, and the like, white carbs like regular rice and white bread. Also turn your snacks into healthy ones by exchanging your regular candy bar for a piece of fresh fruit.

2. Break down your meals - Even if you're already eating nothing but healthy dishes, by spreading out your calorie intake throughout the day, you will have an easier time of losing 2 lbs a week. If you're eating large meals, break them down into small meals and snacks. The best number of meals for you to eat is 4--6 each day. This will help your body utilize your calories better instead of turning them into fat.

3. Become more active - Even a slight increase in your physical activity levels can work wonders on your body and help you to lose 2 pounds in 1 week. You don't need expensive exercise machines or a gym membership. Take a 30--60 minute walk 3--4 times a week, do some bodyweight exercises at home like push ups or squats, climb some stairs, or even go out dancing. Each of these activities will help you burn a lot of calories and lose 2 pounds a week.

4. Avoid stressful situations - Stress is the number 1 cause of binge eating. Even a single binge episode can ruin your weight loss efforts. Stress has also been shown to biologically affect the metabolic process in a negative way. Try to avoid stressful situations and maintain a positive mood.