Is it possible to lose 20 pounds in 20 days by eating very little? I was considering doing this if you think it would work.

Jessica

Very bad idea. Such rapid weight loss can only occur at the expense of proper nutrition -- if you restrict calories drastically and increase activity as well. This can lead to profound imbalances in blood chemistry and dehydration. This in turn can lead to heart and kidney failure -- and death.

The best way to lose weight is to do it slowly. Increase activity moderately. Eat a sensible diet, with a wide variety of foods to supply all the vitamins and nutrients you need. A general rule of thumb is to aim for losing one-half to one pound a week. Slow, steady weight loss, achieved by making healthy lifestyle changes, is more likely to be permanent. Remember the fable about the tortoise and the hare -- slow and steady wins the race.