So I'm a female trying to lose weight, but whenever I do that, I get into a habit of starving myself. I'm trying to lose 50lbs by summer, so what should I do?
When you starve yourself, your body goes into 'starvation mode'. This basically means that your body thinks you're starving so it grabs on to every calorie it can find, which actually makes it more difficult to lose weight.
Try eating little and often. It's a better way of eating, rather than having a large meal when you haven't eaten in ages. Obviously I'm not saying just snack constantly throughout the day, but try having half a sandwich. That'll fill you up for a little while, then you can eat the other half a bit later.
Stay away from fizzy drinks and chocolate. Once you start eating them, it's difficult to stop. I used to be the same way, but I haven't had cola or chocolate in sooo long that I don't really want them any more. My weakness is berry fruit juices with a bit of lemonade mixed in :)
If you have trouble switching to healthy snacks, try telling yourself that if you eat an apple or portion of grapes or something, that you can have a biscuit as a reward. I find that works quite well, and by the time I get through the healthy stuff I'm no longer hungry.
All I can say really is eat properly and try to exercise. Scientifically speaking, you need to consume fewer calories than you burn.
I don't normally respond to "how do I lose weight" questions because there are as many opinions/theories/quack websites as there are overweight people. It's also dangerous to give semi-medical advice if you are not a doctor.
Your target is at least achievable, not all are.
Having said all that....
I concur with the other two answers.
What you might try is the 5:2 diet. I've seen this work on everyone who has stuck to it, including me.
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-52-diet
It's been thoroughly researched by REAL Doctors and dieticians - and Michael Mosely, also a Doctor, presented an hour-long TV program on it a couple of years back. (He lost 25lb). It does require some willpower, but it is much less onerous than starving yourself a little every day.
You got be careful starving yourself to try losing weight
What will happen is you will lose weight than gain twice as much that you loose.
Losing weight is not a easy matter.You know the drill when it comes to losing weight: Take in fewer calories, burn more calories. But you also know that most diets and quick weight-loss plans don't work as promised.