My suggestion? try doing the Atkins diet, together with cardio. Granted the diet is quite extreme, but it does indeed work quickly & safely (supported by many doctors, including mine). If done correctly, you could conceivably lose 10 plus lbs in about 14 days! There is a paperback book & some great websites about this ... I think
www.lowcarbeating.com is one!
As for the cardio, try doing running on one day, perhaps swimming or biking or rollerblading the next. The key to keeping it up is to make it fun & to try not get bored.
Just my thoughts ... this worked for me before our spring break a couple of weeks ago - I lost about 14 pounds!!
- Jen