How can I lose 10 pounds in two weeks

Thanks Rosa!
Day 1...and feeling confident! Started the morning with lemon water and honey and ginger. Followed with a pint of fresh squeezed melon, spinach, mustard greens, kale juice.
I am determined to do this!
I am going to write what I eat and drink to limit naughty extras!
I got my husband to take a picture of me last night from the front and side in the MOST unflattering head on angle! SCARY! I want to see any changes clearly. We are doing this together...whoever looses most per body % will, at the holidays, take the other out for dinner!

Losing 10 lbs in 2 weeks is almost a lb a day and I think as someone who exercises regularly you know that this form of crash dieting regardless of how healthy you try to be will come right back on after the holidays or after you stop dieting. Sorry, I know you didn't want to hear it but unfortunately 10 lbs should be lost in more like a month than 2 weeks.

Continue to eat healthy but definitely change up the exercise routine. It is more than likely that your body has adjusted to your current routine and can use a shock to the system.

Have you ever been in a spinning class? If you're looking for a great leg workout and tons of sweating-- that's the class to take. Changing up the classes is a great idea too. One day Spinning, yoga the next, and a step or cardio class the day after. I would workout at least 5-6 days a week along with an outdoor activity as well instead of your normal 3 days for the next 2 weeks. The key in losing weight when you exercise is keeping your heart rate at a constant pace. Hiking, for you, may not longer be a sport but more of a hobby and since your body is used to this it keeps you in shape but not doing anything to help you lose any additional weight.

My last piece of advice is to follow Alison's tanning advice. I do this every now and again especially when I was pregnant and could not diet :-) Spray tanners are safe and you can either do it at home or go to a standing spray booth in tanning salons. This alone may make you look 10lbs thinner and fabulous during a time when most people are looking pale because of the weather.

Good Luck! Enjoy your Holidays.

Glad I could offer some information, and I will be curious to read other's responses, too. Please let us know how you did over the Christmas holiday...we'll all be curious what you tried, what worked and what didn't!

Thanks Alison! Good advice. I am in my mid thirties, am five foot six and 138 pounds. My problem areas are hips, stomach and legs but like I said I am in pretty good shape, rather toned, just want to look great for Christmas. Self tanner is a good idea too!
I don't eat fast food.
A class is a good idea.

That is a lofty goal, but since you are asking if there is a healthy way to lose weight in the most efficient way, there are a few tips you can use. I've just got to ask (before I provide exercise tips): have you considered that you are already at your ideal weight? (Do you mind telling us what your height and weight are, as well as your age?)

Since you are already working out 6 times per week, eating healthy...what can you do differently to shed a few extra pounds before the holidays (or, at least look like you did?). Here are some tips:
- Change it up! Instead of hiking 6 days a week, challenge your body to a new activity (don't over do-it, so as to cause injury). This can be anything that you don't typically do: swimming, fast dance class, kickboxing, stair climbing, etc.
- Work different muscle groups (the large muscle groups in your legs will burn many calories). Great exercises include the most difficult ones, that workout all parts of your body: lunges with weights (move weight side-to-side from hip-to-hip), jumping jacks with knee raises, "suicides" (not sure real name!) where you jump up and reach up as high as you can, and drop down quickly to the ground for a push up, then repeat. You get the idea--the "bootcamp" type exercises where you are using all of your muscles, particularly large muscle groups, combining strength training (weights, push ups) and cardio.
- Toning. Sometimes just toning up specific muscles that we want to "show off" is the best bang-for-our-buck. Want to wear sleeveless dress, than work on toning your arms and shoulders with free weights or pilates class.
- Eat whole wheat grains, veggies and fruit. Stay away from foods that make you feel bloated (think fast food, highly processed, alcohol, etc).
- Self tanner. There are some great products on the market that add a little shimmer to your skin, and many women swear that a tan makes them look pounds thinner!

As far as your abs specifically, the same rules apply as above. Change up your current routine with challenging your abs to new exercises. A medicine ball is great for abs (many will come with instructions and suggested exercises). The best "core work" involves exercises that you must balance and engage your core (kickboxing, yoga, pilates), and many gyms would give you a few classes to try out for free!

Do these ideas get you moving in the right direction? I bet this is a hot topic, and you will hear from other women, too!