Do you know your ideal weight? If you do, have you reached it? Kudos to you if you’re aware of the perfect weight for you, and you deserve even more pats on the back if you’ve reached it. You’re a better person than we are. Some people are great about getting out there, about hitting the gym and exercising five times a week to help stay in shape and lose weight. There are a lot of people out there that are more like us, though, people who desperately want to make changes and lose some weight but can’t seem to get the exercising part of it down. It raises the big question: “is it still possible to lose weight without exercising?” It may surprise you to know that the answer is yes, there are a few ways to lose weight without exercise.
Not all of us have time to hit the gym or jump on that treadmill in your guest room. Some of us may even be prevented from exercising due to injury or age. We’ve got a few tips and tricks to help you lose weight in other ways.
Add some protein to your diet.
Beginning with the first meal of the day, add some protein. If you start your day with cereal, you may think about adding eggs, a good protein-rich option. In one study, overweight women who chose eggs for their morning meal ate fewer calories at lunch compared to those who ate a grain-based breakfast. They ended up eating fewer calories for the rest of the day and during the next 36 hours. One of the best things about protein is that it increases the sense of being full and keeps you from overeating.
Consider eating smaller portions.
It makes sense that if you consume less calories and carbs, the need to burn off those calories and carbs isn’t as urgent. While you’re eating less, also try to enjoy your meal without distractions. Many of us are social eaters, and if food is in front of us we can’t help from shoving it down. Turning off the TV and the computer game while you’re munching on veggies can help you focus a lot more on how quickly you’re eating. Slow down a little and you may even enjoy your meal more!
Be conscious of what you’re watching.
While we’re discussing TV as a distraction, make sure to limit those cooking shows. Research shows that women who copy those delish recipes from the smiling chefs actually weigh more than those who don’t.
Put away the scale.
Your focus should be on establishing healthier eating habits versus stressing over the number staring at you between your feet every morning. You’ll know when that new pair of pants slides on easier than it did last month.
Cool it with the late night snacks.
Let’s admit it, we all know those late night snacks, as delicious as they are, aren’t doing you any favors. Instead of using a tub of ice cream or something munchy to help wind down every evening, place those cheese crackers back on the shelf and consider a little meditation to chill out from all the stresses of your day.
Weight loss is tricky, and it’s different for everyone. Exercise is obviously a big part of serious weight loss, but while you may not be able to lose weight in a week without exercising, these tips can certainly help kick start a new path to a thinner, healthier you.
Written by: Cindy Stephens