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Losing weight is naturally a challenge for most, as it requires discipline, determination, and consistency. You might think that the only way to burn fat is to intentionally work out in the gym and stick to a strict eating regimen. The truth is, there are simple and efficient ways to burn calories during everyday activities. Here are some of my favorite ways to stay slim without overdoing vigorous exercise! Remember to always consult your physician before starting any new fitness routine.
Stay Slim without Overdoing Vigorous Exercise #1: Keep the Balance
First of all, losing weight requires a deficit of calories in your body. It’s obvious this is achieved by either lowering your caloric intake, burning off excess calories or both. The point I’m making here is that it’s not necessary to overdo vigorous fitness routines in order to lose weight. Truthfully, too much exercise can damage your body and throw off your systems. And while Jumping rope intensely burns about 13 calories per minute, it doesn’t mean you always have to perform at this level to be successful.
I recommend that you find a balance between your intense workouts and everyday activities that also burn calories. For instance, you might do a 30-minute run on the treadmill three times a week. On your off days, how about taking a walk in the park with your kids or dog?
Stay Slim without Overdoing Vigorous Exercise #2: Drink Caffeinated Green or Black Tea
Caffeine can increase the number of calories you burn. Though the effects are mostly temporary, caffeine does speed up your metabolic rate some. Because you become tolerant to the effects, it will eventually become ineffective unless you increase the dose.
Some studies have also shown that caffeinated black or green tea may have calorie-burning properties. Tea influences the body’s ability to absorb carbohydrates. The caffeine may also help to curb your appetite.
Stay Slim without Overdoing Vigorous Exercise #3: Don’t Eliminate Carbs
Some diets encourage the elimination of all carbs. Though this might work for a while, the body ultimately rejects this plan and goes into starvation mode. And, guess what, if your body thinks it’s not getting food, it holds onto calories and fat.
Small meals with quality carbs, consumed throughout the day, encourage calorie burn. Of course, experiment with various food choices until you get the right combo. I love to incorporate sweet potatoes, rice, and various squashes into my diet. These seem to keep me satisfied throughout the day without causes weight gain.
Stay Slim without Overdoing Vigorous Exercise #4: Walk
Do you like outdoor activities? Walking or hiking, even at a mild pace, is a perfect way to stay active and burn extra calories. Even walking around the store or mall does the job! For a challenge, you can go hiking in the woods or hilly area. Walking tones the entire body, too. Though your body weight and intensity play a role, you can expect to burn approximately 100 calories per mile walked. If you walk a lot, do get quality footwear. And if you are overweight, you can find the 5 best shoes for overweight walkers on TheCrossfitShoes.
Stay Slim without Overdoing Vigorous Exercise #5: Sleep Well
Getting a good night’s sleep (7 to 9 hours) helps you eat less because adequate rest reduces the level of ghrelin, the hunger hormone. In fact, experts estimate that, compared to getting seven-to-eight hours of sleep per night, the risk of developing obesity rises 23 percent with just six hours of sleep. It rises 50 percent with only five hours, and 70 percent with just four hours of Zs each night. Yikes! Get your rest!
Stay Slim without Overdoing Vigorous Exercise #6: Play Games
Having an active leisure time with friends and family improves your mood and helps you burn calories! For instance, bowling one game (which lasts approximately 25 minutes) can burn 100 calories. And, playing darts with friends can actually burn 100 calories in just 51 minutes! I love this one because we just got a new dartboard for our home bar! Billiards anyone? This laid-back game can burn 100 calories in 45 minutes.
Stay Slim without Overdoing Vigorous Exercise #7: Spend Time with Kids
Children seem to have an unquenchable source of energy. Spending time with them is not only entertaining but extremely efficient at burning calories! If you have kids or nieces and nephews, let them choose an activity that includes movement. Try playing catch, hopscotch, riding bikes, or even raking the leaves. These activities bring you closer and also create memorable calorie-burning moments!
You don’t have to overdo the gym or vigorous home workouts to burn off calories. Just lead an active lifestyle and enjoy living to the fullest. It’s OK to experiment with various eating plans and fitness plans. Each of us is different, so what works for one may not for another. Ultimately, do what works for you.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease. Furthermore, these parties don’t necessarily support, use, or endorse any products, tools, or services mentioned in this article.
