Top 5 Expert Tips for Quick, Healthy Weight Loss

We've all been there: T minus three days until you need to wear that tight, hot party dress...and all you can think about is how you're going to get yourself tighter and hotter to squeeze into it. Know that there's a lot of mumbo jumbo out there and endless diet fads that you want to be cautious to avoid. So we've collected what experts consider to be the best tips for safely and quickly slimming down.

Don't Do Anything Drastic
Keep your expectations in check. There's no fool-proof, healthy way to lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time, but there are things you can do to make you feel slimmer and more confident.

While you may be tempted to blast that tummy fat away with hours at the gym, fight the urge. "Performing an intense abdominal workout two days before a party is not the best plan," advisesKatie Humphrey, Certified Personal Trainer and Health and Empowerment Coach. You aren't going to get miraculous tone that quickly. Going to the gym is a good idea, though: A quick cardio session will work to release endorphins to help you feel your best, and can also help release water weight. Just don't over do it, especially if you're cutting back on calories.

And don't starve yourself: Not only is it extremely unhealthy, but you want to actually feel beautiful at the event-not just look it. "Don't skip meals-eat at least three meals a day with a healthy snack if you're feeling hungry," recommendsStefanie Mendez, Registered Dietitian. "When you skip meals, most people tend to overeat at their next meal."

Mindful, Clean Eating
"If you have a big event coming up, first be aware of and vigilant with the foods you are consuming," recommends Katie Humphrey. Concentrate on eating lots of protein like lean meat, eggs, and low-fat dairy like Greek yogurt, and don't forget fresh fruit and vegetables for snack time.

Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes EducatorMartha McKittrickrecommends sticking to a simple meal plan to stay on track. Egg whites or Greek yogurt for breakfast; a salad with grilled chicken for lunch; almonds or low-fat string cheese for an afternoon snack; and a lean meat such as fish or chicken for dinner with vegetables. If you're craving an after dinner snack, reach for the fruit.

Keep your carb intake to unprocessed whole grain foods such as oatmeal and quinoa. Just be sure to check the labels! And try to avoid gassy vegetables (like beans, broccoli and onions) if you're not used to eating them as a regular part of your diet as they can contribute to belly bloat. And of course, keep your sugar intake to an absolute minimum!

Trade Out Diet Soda for Plenty of Water
It may seem counterintuitive, but if you're trying to squeeze into that slim fitting dress, pass on the diet soda. The experts recommend avoiding all carbonated beverages as the bubbles in soda-even diet-can make you bloat. There are several otherhealth reasons to avoid diet soda, too.

Make sure you're getting at the very least your full 8 glasses of water a day. Drinking lots of water will help flush excess sodium from your body and helps reduce bloat. Plain water too boring? Try adding a squeeze of lemon or other citrus. Sounds like exactly what we do to boring vodka too, eh?

Just Say No to Salt
"Cut back on the sodium which can make you retain water weight. This means salty snack foods as well as many foods you eat out," stressesCarlene Thomas, Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Expert.

Pass on restaurants for a few days and watch out for the hidden sodium in the foods in your pantry. The best way to do this is often by restricting packaged food that is often over-processed and soaring with sodium.

Mind and Body
Getting your proper amount of sleep each night can really help with stress management and help your body function properly-that includes metabolism. Holistic Health CoachMarissa Vicario, CHHC, AADP points that "self care, time to rest and engage in activities that fulfill you" are all crucial to weight loss as well as your well-being.