If you have tried everything to lose weight and found little or no success, try sneaky ways to send extra pounds packing. Spend a little more time standing around the water cooler at work. Linger over your meals while you savor every bite. Use sneaky ways to lose weigh, and enjoy knowing you may get you to your goal weight faster with no one the wiser.
Move
The risk of being overweight or obese increases with sedentary behavior, according to a study published in the July 1, 2008, issue of the "International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity." Although changing careers may not be an option, you can mitigate the effects of an office job. Get up from your desk at least once an hour to do a little physical activity. Walk to the fax machine. Skip the elevator--take the stairs. At the beginning of the day, write down ways you can ring in each hour with physical activity.
Laugh
Laughing relaxes blood vessels, burns calories and combats stress, according to Drs. Mehmet C. Oz and Michael F. Roizen of RealAge.com. Laughing also may reduce your cortisol levels, which contribute to belly fat and water retention. Visit a comedy club with friends. Relax and slim down with your favorite comedy for a super-sneaky--and entertaining--way to lose weight.
Drink Water
Business lunches, date nights and potluck suppers all add up to a bigger BMI, or body mass index. However, you can approach any meal with confidence that you're not likely to overindulge if you engage in one sneaky little habit--drink two glasses of water before each meal. In a study published in the Feb. 18, 2010, issue of the journal "Obesity," participants who drank about a 17-ounce glass of water before meals lost nearly five pounds more than participants who did not. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day. Refill it at a sink or water fountain.
Eat Slowly
A study published in the January 2010 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" found that eating slowly--spending 30 minutes on a meal--increased feelings of fullness. So instead of eating at your desk or while driving, sneak away for a long lunch. Don't rush--take your time and really enjoy your food. Practice this same sneaky tip in restaurants and at home.
References
- "International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity:" Joint Associations of Multiple Leisure-time Sedentary Behaviours and Physical Activity
- Real Age: There's Something Funny Going On (and It's Making You Healthy)
- PubMed: "Obesity"; Water Consumption Increases Weight Loss During a Hypocaloric Diet Intervention
- PubMed: "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Eating Slowly Increases the Postprandial Response of the Anorexigenic Gut Hormones
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