Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. Our That's Fit fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz. I'm getting married in late June, and I still have about 10 more pounds to lose. I feel good, but not great! You always say to avoid diets, so what can I do? Can't wait to hear it. Emily

A. You've been paying good attention, Emily, and I'm honored to be able to help you look and feel your best on one of the most special days of your life. I normally poo-poo attempts at quick weight loss -- reunions, holiday parties and cruises just don't qualify for "diet-like" behavior for me. Weddings are different though, and fortunately, I can help you lose the weight without hunger, stress or frustration before you walk down the aisle.

Dropping 10 pounds means you'll need to burn about 36,000 more calories than you consume over the next 50 days. That enormous number sounds horrible, but the reality is far less scary. On a daily basis, you'll need to create a 720-calorie deficit.

The typical person burns 10 calories each day for every pound of body weight. So if you weigh 150 pounds, you probably burn about 1500 calories just going about your business each day. To maintain this weight, you must consume 1500 calories each day. To lose weight, you should eat less or burn more. A vigorous workout session each day, coupled with saying "no thank you" to just one snack or sugary beverage, might be all you need to create this deficit. I hope this doesn't sound too complicated, but the science of weight management really does rely heavily on doing the math.

I recommend that you pursue vigorous exercises, including challenging cardiovascular and strength training sessions most days of the week. Since you are on a short deadline, train at least five or six days a week. If you don't deliberately exercise one day, have fun swimming in a pool or playing outdoors with your dog. The more you move your body, the more calories you will burn.

I also suggest you clean up your eating habits. Stick with nutritious foods, like produce, lean protein, whole grains and legumes. Ditch sugar, flour, alcohol, butter and other non-nutritious items. Drink plenty of water and count your calories. In the long run, Emily, you won't need to be so strict to maintain your weight. I'd love for you to adopt smarter eating choices and regular vigorous exercise as a habit. If you do this, 10 pounds will surely come off before your wedding, and you'll be able to keep them off for the long run.

Most important, enjoy your wedding! You've already found someone who loves you just the way you are. I hope you'll accomplish your fitness goals by then, but if not, that's OK too. I wish you and your fiance a long, happy and healthy life together. Now get to work!

Check out this video on how to look sexy in a sleeveless gown!

Punches & Kicks,

Fitz

Fitzness.com

Note: The content presented in this Q. & A section is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as medical advice or substitute for professional medical care.