The key to losing weight is to expend more calories than you take in. The main problem with watching television is that it's a passive activity, and it is tempting to snack while sitting on the couch. The Mayo Clinic calls watching your weight a balancing act of burning more calories through physical activities and reducing unnecessary calories from what you eat and drink. Watching television isn't bad as long as you balance your intake of calories with activity.
Smart Snacking
Avoid the temptation to munch unhealthy snacks when you sit down to watch television. Try to enjoy the show without a snack, but if you feel that you must eat, choose something healthy and low in calories. Popcorn is good for you as long as you don't pour butter and salt over it. Pop it with hot air or in a very small amount of vegetable oil. Use Mrs. Dash or other seasonings that add flavor without unhealthy ingredients. Other smart snacking options include raw vegetables, fresh fruit and a handful of nuts.
Cold Water
Sip cold water. According to an article on the KCBY website, your body has to burn calories to bring ice water up to the body temperature. In order to bring one liter of water to the average body temperature, you'll burn approximately 30 calories. The more ice water you drink, the more calories you'll burn.
Commercial Workout
Make it a point to hop off the sofa and do a mini-workout during commercial breaks. Work up a routine for a half hour show and another one for an hour-long show. The first commercial break can be a series of stretches, the second one an aerobic exercise such as jumping jacks or running in place. Use hand weights to strengthen and tone the upper body for the next commercial break.
Couch Workout
Do some isometric toning exercises while you watch television. Start with your arms by holding them at chest height in front of you, elbows bent. Press your hands together and hold to the count of 10, then release. Working your way down your body, doing some abdominal exercises. Sit up straight and tighten your abdomen. Hold for a count of 10 and release. Squeeze your buttocks together and hold for a count of 10. Next, lift one leg straight out in front of you and hold to the count of ten. Put it back down, then repeat this on the other leg. Do 10 ankle twirls in one direction then reverse and do 10 in the other direction.
Dance
Get up and dance while you watch TV shows with music. You can do the moves from dancing shows or make up your own steps. It doesn't matter as long as you are moving to burn calories. During commercial breaks, practice your moves. You may even discover a new talent while you drop the pounds.
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