Friday, March 19, 2010

Five Lazy Ways to Lose Weight


Let’s face it.  We’re all lazy, or at least would like to be.  But don’t feel guilty.  It’s human nature to expend as little energy as possible.  We also naturally seek pleasure, and avoid discomfort. If changing behavior to lose weight means giving up things we like to do, causes discomfort, or takes much effort, then it’s very likely we’re just not going to do it.
So let’s minimize the pain.  Here’s a list of 5 ways you can be lazy, enjoy good food, lose weight, and not suffer while doing it:
1.       Make your first meal of the day the biggest, whatever time that may be.  Not only is it nutritionally important for you to fuel up at the beginning of your day, it is also one of the best ways to get your metabolism geared up.  This helps you lose.
2.       Eat low-fat, whole fiber food at the beginning of every meal, then wait 5 or 10 minutes before eating the rest.  Fiber causes certain gut hormones to be released into the blood stream.  These hormones make you feel full and satisfied earlier, so you eat less of the high calorie foods you may otherwise crave.  A cup of beans, a bowl of berries, an apple or a pear, or a green salad will all work.
3.       Go to bed early.  When you lose sleep, hormones influencing hunger will cause you to eat more.  So to lose weight, get more rest.
4.       Get more NEAT.  What is NEAT?  It’s physical activity you do that you probably don’t even think about.  For example, twirling in your office swivel chair will burn 50 calories for every 60 twists.  Chewing gum burns 11 calories per hour.  Other activities like tapping your foot, pacing while you talk on the phone, singing with the radio – they all burn calories and they all add up.  So get NEATer.
5.       Eat nothing but low-fat, whole fiber foods for supper.  You won’t feel deprived or hungry all night long, and you won’t eat many calories.  The best thing is that you will burn fat when you won’t even know it – while you are asleep.
There you have it.  Five easy ways to be lazy, get slim, feel great, and restore your health all at the same time.  Give it a try!
The author submits this blog posting as a health educator and not in any other capacity. You should seek the advice of your physician regarding a personal health condition or before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program.

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