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When I really cracked down and got serious about it, it took me 3 months to lose 20lbs. Depending on your size, a realistic goal is 1-2lbs a week. So with "only" 6lbs to lose, you should be able to realistically do that in 6 weeks.

It takes setting a goal and making a real commitment to do that though, not just an "I'll try."' Set a time limit for yourself, and a reward at the end. When I really set to it, it wasn't that difficult. I tracked all my calories on myfitnesspal, and walked a loop around my neighborhood in the evenings 5-6 times a week. Actually tracking calories was a big one. I never realized how much little things added up, like cream and sugar in my coffee, and how askew my portion sizes were. I struggled with the setting of a timeline and the assigning a reward, so the website dietbetter.com did that for me. If I lost 4% of my body weight in 4 weeks, the reward was actual money, it was really motivating for me.

I hung on to clothes for years. I would go through them whenever I cleaned out my closet and get rid of what was no longer in style. But I have several nice items from years ago that fit now!

You need to give yourself 2 months at a very minimum. Also, remember that 80% of losing/gaining weight will come from how you eat. So, if you can't make it to the gym, then crack down on how you eat.

@kiddosc: Couldn't have said it better myself!

@Mamaof2: I think 5-6 weeks for 6lbs is totally doable. How much you're able to lose will depend a lot on how much you have to lose... So if you're 20 lbs overweight you'll lose weight much faster in the beginning than someone who is 10 lbs overweight. Honestly, for me, I lose weight the fastest when I watch what I eat and exercise...exercise alone does not do it quickly for me...makes sense bc you can eat 500 calories so easily but it's hard work to burn off 500 calories

I'm trying to lose 5lbs in 5 weeks. I'm using the My Fitness Pal app on my phone (free version) and it's awesome so far. It will help you identify a healthy time frame to lose the weight and suggest the daily calories you need to get to your goal. And it had the most comprehensive food database I've seen.

I started Dec 30th and I've lost 2.5lbs so far. I love entering my meals and snacks and seeing how much I have left for the day.