Is it really possible to lose excess pounds in two weeks? The straight answer is "Yes!" The long answer is "Yes, with the right motivation and discipline." Whether short or long, it is possible to slim down in 14 days. The next question now is: How?

It all starts with the right motivation. It's about knowing why you want to get rid of those excess pounds in such a short amount of time. Is it because you need to fit in that little black dress for that dream date? Perhaps you're due to be wed in 14 days and need to slim down so you can look gorgeous in your wedding gown. Or, maybe it's two weeks to go before that exotic beach vacation and you need to look gorgeous in that itsy-bitsy teenie-weenie yellow polka dot bikini. Whatever your reason, it's got to be strong enough so you stay committed and motivated to stick with your diet regimen.

The next step is clear out your ref and your cupboard of all junk and unhealthy food. This means all chips, sugar-rich sweets and sodas. You don't need them, not even to satisfy any form of craving. Remember that you're working on a very short time frame and you can't afford to cheat, not even for a single day. This also means shunning super-sized burgers and French fries. Cured meats like bacon and hotdogs also do not have a place in your two-week food diet.

Third, shop for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and nuts. Make vegetables and fruits a part of your diet. Detoxify by eating only fruits and veggies for the first day and drinking lots of water or lemon juice. This cleanses your colon, ridding your body of fecal matter (that could also weigh 5 to 10 pounds) and makes weight loss even easier for the days ahead.

Fourth, don't skip breakfast. Space out your meals in three hour intervals. If you feel the urge to snack, grab a banana or an apple instead of bread or donuts or anything you've previously cleaned out from your ref or your cupboard.

Fifth, steer clear of anything fried. Bake and steam to prepare your food. Use vinaigrette or lemon dressing instead of mayonnaise for your salads. Better yet, munch your carrots or tomatoes raw.

Sixth, exercise. Do a 30-minute cardio workout before having breakfast early in the morning so your body utilizes the fat stores to sustain the activity. If you can possibly buy a cheap pedometer, do so. It encourages you to keep moving. Aim for 10,000 steps a day. Or, find something you enjoy doing that will entail movement. Dance!

Finally, drink lots of water. If you feel hungry, drink water first to see if your body is simply signaling thirst and not real hunger. Water keeps your metabolism running so you burn calories and fat. Juice, unless you squeeze it from fresh fruit, is no good. Drink water instead.

If you follow these simple tips, it's possible to slim down in 14 days. But this takes a lot of focus and determination. Have that and you will surely succeed!