Whether you’re looking to jump-start weight loss, lose those last few pesky pounds or merely maintain your current weight without laboriously counting calories and sweating away hours at the gym, these minor adjustments to your daily routine can actually bring decent results.
Walk More
For most of us, hopping in the car is automatic, even for short trips and quick errands. Many drivers are so dependent on their cars they can’t fathom walking to get to where they need to go, but it is possible—maybe not for getting everywhere, but there are many tasks you can accomplish on foot if you think about it. So, next time you need to run up the street to the post office or drug store, walk instead—get your blood circulating, your legs moving and your heart beating. It does a body good. If you want to see how quickly the waking adds up, grab a pedometer to track your steps. One foot in front of the other is all it takes.
Take the Stairs
You’ve been hearing it for years, but most of us sleepily ride the elevator morning after morning. Do you know how many calories climbing stairs burn? Plus it’s a great boon to your cardiovasvular health. Guess what one benefit to being heart healthy is– better concentration. Feeling burnt out in the morning at work? Can’t finish that morning crossword puzzle? It may be your weight. A recent study suggests that losing weight actually sharpens memory and improves concentration levels. So taking the stairs will impress your boss and anyone checking your bum. Just sayin’.
Doggy-Bag It
When we eat in restaurants, most of us clean our plates without thinking twice. Curb this habit by splitting your meal promptly in half when it arrives. Chances are, you’ll fill up on a lot less than you previously thought. Bonus: you get to finish the meal the next day for lunch or dinner. Just don’t eat the remainder as a midnight snack–this defeats the purpose!
Drink More Water
Water is a great filler and metabolism-booster. Increase your daily water intake to help jump-start your metabolism. Also, drink a glass or two before every meal. Often times, thirst is confused as hunger, so drinking more water will quench your thirst and help decrease your appetite. Drinking water before each meal will ensure you eat less while maintaining hydration.
Burn Calories Around the House
Even household chores and activities provide an outlet for burning calories. Next time you’re watching television, rather than sitting on the couch, do jumping jacks, jump rope, lie on your back and do leg lifts—anything to get your heart pumping. Wear ankle weights while vacuuming, doing dishes or doing laundry. Wit small changes, your daily tasks can turn into calorie-burning opportunities.