How the pros drop a few pounds fast

Health.com
Corbis
Corbis

Long to lose weight this week? Here, nutrition experts divulge their tricks.

Make veggies the star
"I make sure my plate contains up to 2 cups of fruits and veggies as the 'main course,' with 1/2 cup of wholesome carbs like wild rice, and 3 ounces of lean protein like chicken or steak.

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Making produce the focal point means you can eat more, stay full, and easily cut up to 700 calories from your day.' -Marissa Lippert, RD, author of The Cheater's Diet

Shake it up
"I whip up a 300-calorie smoothie. Drinking one in place of a restaurant meal can save up to 500 calories. I combine 2 cups of almond milk, 1 tablespoon of protein powder, 1 chopped apple, 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a few ice cubes." -Sharon Richter, RD, a healthy-eating expert in New York City, NY

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Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
"Chugging 8 to 12 cups of water a day is one of the most important keys to weight loss, since you hold onto water weight when dehydrated." -Connie Guttersen, RD, author of The New Sonoma Diet

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