Authored by Lray in Weight Issues
Published on 10-09-2009
“No pain, no gain,” is a common refrain uttered by weight loss experts as a stern warning that those of us seeking to lose weight must pay a heavy price to meet our goals in the form of sweat or possibly tears. Weight loss can be challenging enough without the daunting prospect of hours-long, sweat-filled gym sessions or meals that resemble appetizers. When faced with conventional weight loss plans, hanging on to extra weight can seem like a far more appealing option. Those looking to lose a moderate amount of weight needn’t exercise to the point of exhaustion or completely deprive themselves of foods they enjoy. With a few lifestyle adjustments, the lazy among us can meet our fitness goals.
Calorie reduction is a must but it doesn’t need to be drastic. Reduce your caloric intake through replacement rather than starvation. Diet plans that involve severe food restrictions rarely work in the long run because they are impractical. Completely cutting out foods you love might make you thinner but your happiness could be the trade-off. Determine which foods you consume the most and find lower calorie alternatives. If you can’t find an alternative simply reduce the portion size. It’s okay to have that cake— just have a smaller slice. Eating your dinner on a smaller plate or saucer is another way to manage caloric intake since it forces you to reduce portion sizes.
Soda and other sweetened beverages are some of the biggest culprits involved with the expanding waistlines of Americans. If you’re one of the many people who drink multiple servings of soda and other caffeinated beverages daily, simply swapping out one or more of those sweetened beverages with sugar-free alternatives or water can slowly result in weight loss over time. There is no need to deprive yourself of those cups of coffee you use to function on a daily basis. Just cut back by one or two cups and make sure you drink water to stay properly hydrated.
Increasing your level of activity is the most important aspect of any weight loss plan—even a plan for the lazy among us. Exercise doesn’t necessarily have to involve an intense session in spandex surrounded by intimidatingly fit people at the gym. Commit to some type of exercise 30 minutes a day for 2-3 days a week. Whether you run or simply take a walk, just adding more activity can eventually lead to weight loss. The Lazy Plan can involve any kind of unintentional exercise such as playing sports in the backyard with the kids or Wii sports. Today’s interactive video games can provide a workout without the “work”. Other unintentional forms of exercise include taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator and parking your car farther from the entrance when you go shopping so you have to walk a longer distance. A consistent increase in the amount of activity coupled with your new moderated eating habits will eventually result in a loss of weight.
The lazy person’s weight loss plan is not a quick fix or fad diet to lose extreme amounts of weight. It is more for those who are carrying a few excess pounds or want to stave off the natural weight gain that occurs as we age. The effects of your efforts will be cumulative. Your weight will not decrease overnight. The Lazy Plan is a lifestyle adjustment where weight loss is evident over time and more likely to be sustained because it is derived from permanent adjustments rather than temporary fad solutions.
