How to lose inches not weight

Question
QUESTION: Hi I am 22 years old and probably shouldn't have a hard time losing weight but I do. I am looking for a perfect diet to help me lose inches in certain areas. The reason why I say inches not weight is because I understand sometimes weight is just a number. I notice myself losing water weight alot and then it coming and going frequently. For a girl who weighs about 145 and is 5'4 what would be an ideal diet for someone who is looking to just lose stomach area fat and about 10-15 pounds. I work about 50 hours a week so trying to find the right diet is so hard since i am always on the go. HELP!!!


ANSWER: Hi Dana,
Can you help me out with some more information?
Please tell me what and when you eat on a typical day.
Do you exercise, if so what type and how much?
Once I have this information I will give you a specific meal plan.
Lea

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Lea,

What I eat on a typical day would be: Breakfast- bagel coffee, lunch- some type of fast food, Dinner- if i do eat dinner its usually some type of carb I am sure. I really have a sweet tooth and I drink lots of coffee. I dont really excercise just when I walk my dog once a day. I know this is pathetic...

Answer
80% of weight loss is what we eat, so lets focus on that for now since you work 50 hours a week I'm sure there isn't much time for exercise. The key is to eat six small meals a day, I know you are busy but you can work your way up to it.  Start with 4 meals, then 5 then 6.  Eventually it will fell normal.  Please trust me and try it, it will make a huge difference (I imagine you have low energy as well?).  Change does take time, so don't expect huge loses on the scale immediately especially with only 10-15 pounds to lose.  Patience is key.  Typical weight loss day example:
B:1 cup cereal, 3/4 cup milk, 1 fruit
S: 1 cup yogurt
L: 1/2 bagel, mini can of tuna
S: carrot sticks, 10 almonds
D: chicken or fish (size of palm), 3/4 cup potatoes, rice or pasta
S: 2 cups popcorn OR a fruit OR for your sweet tooth 1 sweet chocolate granola bar

Another thing I should address, COFFEE!  You may find if you keep drinking coffee you will not lose ANY weight.  Is there any chance you could quit it?  Atleast for a little while, even one cup a day will really slow weight loss.
 
If you have further questions, send me a follow up email.

Good luck,
Lea

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