Easy ways to lose weight

A few simple tricks can help you shed some weight—admittedly not as much as a good diet and regular exercise program, but perhaps enough to fit back into your jeans. These tricks can also help you maintain the weight, despite the occassional cupcake binge or Sunday lunch buffet.

Add food to your diet

Instead of thinking ‘I can’t eat beef’ or ‘I have to skip pasta’ add more healthy food to your diet. You won’t feel hungry or deprived, and you’ll be less likely to reach for those fattening calorie traps. For example, adding vegetables to a soup will make it more satisfying, so you will naturally eat less of the steak it’s served with.

Don’t call it a workout

If the idea of going to a gym makes you want to hurl, then don’t. In fact, it’s best not to create roadblocks for yourself by forcing yourself to do something you hate. Instead, look for fun activities that get you moving. Do you enjoy dancing with friends? Then by all means buy a console dance game. Do you have a pet dog? Play frisbee with him at the dog park.

Sneak in activities

Find every chance to burn even a few calories at a time. Park your car in the farthest corner of the parking lot so you are forced to walk. Get off the bus a couple of stops before your actual destination. Move the stepper in front of the TV so you can do a couple of rounds while you’re watching your favorite TV show.

Look for the healthy versions of your favorites

If you love cheese than find one with reduced fat. If you can’t live without your coffee than ask for soy and hold the whip. Same thing goes for beer, soda. If no healthy alternatives are available, split the serving with somebody. That’s a great way to eat out at your favorite restaurant without totally binging—share your order with a friend, or have a waiter divide the dish and then pack up half for you to bring home.