<p>Water is important when you’re dieting, or anytime, actually. I find if I fill a large pitcher with filtered water, ice and a few slices of lemon or strawberries, it calls to me when I pass by the kitchen counter. 
Just enough flavor.</p>
<p>Have you tried group exercise classes? I find that those tend to motivate me way more than just trudging along on the treadmill. There’s something in not wanting to be the person with the lowest resistance on the bike or not be able to finish all the reps that will make you work harder, and classes are short–30 to 60 mins</p>
<p>Cut processed foods (bad carbs), go to the gym AND wear the Spanx if you still feel you need to.
Good luck!</p>
<p>Can I ask a basic question about Spanx? How do you wear pantyhose – over your Spanx? And Spanx are worn…commando? Because what’s the point of adding VPL to the smooth look? I tried on this dress but didn’t buy it because of unattractive bulges in the hard to tone upper thigh area (let’s leave it at that):
[Theory</a> - Dillas Whitmore Dress - Saks.com](<a href=“http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER<>folder_id=2534374306418048&PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524446610544&R=887717117166&P_name=Theory&N=4294912273+306418048+399545540&bmUID=k5AE4sw]Theory”>http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER<>folder_id=2534374306418048&PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524446610544&R=887717117166&P_name=Theory&N=4294912273+306418048+399545540&bmUID=k5AE4sw)</p>
<p>I think you wear Spanx OVER your underwear and panty hose. At least, that’s what I’d do.</p>
<p>ETA: Love the dress.</p>
<p>Thanks VeryHappy! OK so now that I’m Spanx-literate, I might buy the dress after all!</p>
<p>If you want to look young, don’t wear pantyhose at all. Bare legs are the chic-er look, unless it’s really cold out.</p>
<p>A friend who has been to the Oscars passed on a “secret” that many stars do to get in those ultra tight dresses. For the week before, they eliminate as much salt as possible (for water retention), eat a lot cucumbers (a diuretic), and drink lots of water with lemon or limes (for taste) and mint (appetite suppressant). </p>
<p>fwiw…have not tried, but then again, I don’t buy super slinky, skin tight gowns, or go to the Oscars to have to worry about that issue…</p>
<p>@VeryHappy,
Spanx, pantyhose, AND underwear-- 3 layers? Are we talking undergarments or a chastity belt? ;)</p>
<p>You can lose about 1lb a week through moderate exercise above your norm, about the same through careful but non-specific dieting - portion control more than anything else. So right there is about 2lb a week, which would meet your goal. You can go faster that, provided you have the willpower and resources, but I would recommend talking to a doctor before doing so - you can mess yourself up by pushing too hard, too fast. I would also be wary of specific diets when you have a short-term goal in mind - different diets work for different people, and going low-carb or high-salt or whatever can mean wasting weeks on a diet that simply does not work for you.</p>
<p>But definitely drink lots and lots of water.</p>