Losing weight is always a tricky battle since so many factors contribute to weight loss and gain. Although exercising is recommended as a healthy part of a safe weight-loss plan, it is possible to lose those extra pounds if you are unable or unwilling to exercise. There are other ways to help lose those extra pounds besides exercise that lead to a healthy, safe reduction in weight.
Step 1
Drink more water. Many extra calories sneak into our diets through the beverages we consume. Water contains no sugar, calories or additives, unlike juices, sodas and alcoholic drinks. Water also keeps you feeling fuller and flushes unwanted toxins from the body. Start the morning out with a glass of water, have another glass before each meal, then refill the glass and drink another throughout the meal.
Step 2
Eat foods that are as close to their original state as possible. Choose fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, as opposed to juiced, processed, cooked or canned. Whole grains are the healthiest forms of much-needed carbohydrates. Eliminate sugars, salts and fatty, fried foods from your diet as well. Eat lean protein, preferably white meat, to assist in weight loss.
Step 3
Improve on poor eating habits. Cut out continual snacking throughout the day, which leads to unnecessary overeating and calorie intake. Eat only when you are hungry, and pay attention to the signals your body is sending to you.
Step 4
Eliminate unnecessary stress from your life. Your body responds to stress by producing a hormone known as cortisol, which causes the body to store fat around the stomach and to crave unhealthy foods. Do some deep-breathing exercises or yoga to help relax during stressful moments and be sure to get enough sleep at night.
Step 5
Get enough sleep. Sleep helps to regulate the hormones ghrelin and leptin in the body, responsible for feelings of hunger and knowing when to stop, respectively. When the body doesn't get enough sleep, it feels hungry all day, often craving unhealthy foods, and doesn't feel full. This can lead to long-term weight gain. On average, you need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
Tips and Warnings
- Recommended safe weight loss is 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. per week.
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