Can I lose 10 pounds by Thanksgiving?

Yesterday, a client asked me if she could realistically lose 10 pounds by Thanksgiving. My first and immediate thought was, "YES! It can be done." And it can. Then I hesitated. I thought about what it would take to lose that 10 pounds and I knew that she would have to make some big changes and work really hard to get her lifestyle in order. We talked about what it would take and she's on board.

So, I know what you're thinking, how can it be done?
1) You have to eat really clean and in the right balance. Lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, high fiber. No enriched white flour junk, no processed foods, dairy, caffeine, diet sodas, diet anything.
2) You must eat! Undereating is the singlemost sabotage to effective fat loss. If you're eating really clean, it's almost impossible to overeat.
3) You've got to move. Then move more. Intense, programmed, effective fat-burning workouts that keep you pushing yourself to the next level without injury or burnout.
4) Did I mention you've got to move? I know you thought you understood, but I mean effective workouts every day. It doesn't mean "drop-down and give me 20" workouts every day, it just means that you've got to burn more calories than you take in. The key is really understanding how the body loses fat. Bottom line: You've got to burn approx 700 extra workout calories/day to shed that amount of fat in that time frame. It's got to be done with a proper balance of cardio/strength training/flexibility.
5) Hydrate! Drink water instead of any other drink and make sure you're drinking enough.
6) Sleep. 7-8 hours of intentional sleep per day will help renew the body from its intense workouts and allow the maximum efficiency in muscle building and fat elimination.
7) Manage stress. You can do everything right and if you're super stressed out, you're going to burnout or hurt yourself. Exercise and eating right are a great way to manage stress, but you've also got to have some time to yourself to relax and be still. Relax.
8) Front load your calories. Earlier in the day keeps the fat away! That means eat a high-fiber breakfast (12-14 grams) and a couple of balanced snacks before lunch, a portion controlled lunch, an afternoon snack, and a portion controlled light dinner at least 3-4 hours before going to bed. NO nighttime snacking or high calorie beverages.
9) Did you get the part about the fiber? Aim for 35-40 grams/day. I know that seems like a high hill to climb, but you can do it. You'll be amazed at the difference in the foods you choose and the satisfaction you feel. Build up slowly and remember you've got to drink water to keep things, umm, "moving"...
10) Invest in yourself to keep it off. If you're going to work that hard for the next 5 weeks, then you deserve to keep it off. I told you the basics, but I'm a strategist that knows everybody needs a little tweaking here and there to keep the fat melting. Let me help you.
11) Get accountability. Log your food daily and show them to a trained professional. Get personal training, do an intense skinny mini workout, or online workouts from me! If you want a plan and a push, I can offer it.

Just give me the chance and you're willingness to fight fat and we'll get there together! What are you waiting for?