How to Lose Weight with Extremely Simple Habit Changes- Anyone Can Do This

We all know that exercise and proper nutrition sheds pounds. Considering everyone knows this, there sure are a lot of people who are overweight aren't there? Although I commend anyone who can cut out unhealthy foods entirely and suddenly start going to the gym regularly, I think most of us just need something simple to start with. This article explains some simple things you can do to start losing weight. This is by no means all you need to do, especially if you need to lose a lot of weight. Nevertheless, these steps will help you to shed pounds almost effortlessly because they are easily incorporated into your day.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large Water Bottle
• Fresh Lemon, Lime, or Orange Slices
• A Different Parking Space
• Small, Dark Colored Plates
• A Picture of Yourself
• A Realistic Picture of a Body You Would Like
• Spices and Salsa
• Only a Tiny Bit of Self-control
• A Snowball Maker (optional)

1. Blue. That's right, blue. The color blue has been shown to decrease appetite. Research this if you must. I recommend buying some small, dark colored, blue plates. Why small? Although your conscious mind realizes the plate is smaller, your subconscious mind sees you eating an entire plate of food. Just try it. Hey, even if you re-fill your smaller plate, double the small plate may even be less food than one large plate of food. Another tip- consider painting your kitchen or eating area blue. *This is by no means necessary.

2. Start parking towards the back of the parking lot. This, depending on how city-slicker you are, can double or triple the amount of walking you usually do. Although walking to the building usually only takes a few extra minutes, these minutes add up. Not sure you'll have the willpower to do this? Convince yourself that you don't want your car scratched. Hand wash the car if you must so that you'll respect its condition. (and get some exercise)

3. Take the stairs. I'm shocked by how many people just stand there waiting, sometimes tapping their fingers impatiently, for the elevator. This is especially humorous when there are under 4 floors in the building. Really? You can't walk up a couple of flights of stairs? Depending on how crowded the building is, you can SAVE TIME taking the stairs and get some exercise. Make this your ritual. Start a new motto: "I always take the stairs."

4. Puppy time. If you have a dog, walk it even if you have a yard and don't need to. Once you try this, you'll see it is actually enjoyable. Psychologists have found that spending time in the outdoors decreases depression, anxiety, and actually helps with concentration! Not only are you making yourself happy, you're getting exercise that isn't a burden.

5. Drink up. I know you have heard this one hundred thousand times. Yes, it's true that humans do not actually need 8 glasses of water a day. Call this a myth and sleep better at night if you must. However, drinking water helps you lose weight and decreases appetite. I don't care if you don't "need" it, you don't "need" to be thinner either. Spruce the water up with fresh squeezed lemons, limes, or oranges. You will be shocked at how fresh this tastes compared to artificially sweetened cola, crystal light, etc. You'll lose any bloating or water weight, look thinner, and have a feeling of fullness. I recommend taking a large container, of your choice, and completely filling it with water, lemon slices, etc. Take this to work or school. This way, you'll know how much water you have drank by how many ounces the container is. Aim for 64 ounces. If you can't meet this mark, don't fret... try 48 to start. For extra motivation, read up on studies that have analyzed the negative effects of artificial sweeteners found in diet drinks, foods, etc. I'm not even talking about the memory effects, most people have already heard of those; I'm talking about the fact that the study showed people gained weight! (Study spanned 25 years-wow!)

6. Spice up your life. Research thermogenic foods. These raise your metabolism by just eating them! They include cayenne pepper, salsa, chili sauce, mustard, ice water, green tea, apple cider vinegar, cabbage, celery, lemon or vinegar, etc. Research and find the thermogenic foods you like best.

7. Switch to wheat. Now, this one is really simple. When you're at subway, a restaurant, or home, just use wheat. Don't bash wheat bread until you try it. You'll be amazed how you hardly notice the white bread is gone. New motto: "I always eat wheat bread." Even if you're indulging, order your burger on wheat. If you eat toast, eat wheat toast. This one is so simple, there's no excuse not to try this.

8. Snack size. I don't care if you're an accountant and you have correctly figured that large bags of food are a better deal than small individual sized bags. Buy them anyway! They add an element of control. As with the small plates, even if you eat 2 servings (bags), you may only be eating a fraction of what you would have eaten with the large bag.

9. Fidget. I know this one sounds strange. Fidgeting can burn calories while you read, watch tv, sit in a waiting room, or sit anywhere. You may find you feel more alert and active when you fidget. Just remember not to fidget during job interviews.

10. Wii! If you are a gaming fan, switch the lazy ol' playstation or xbox for a wii. Playing with a nintendo wii, believe it or not, can make you sweat. Buy the fitness games or just use the wii sports that comes with the console free. (Boxing especially) Another alternative is to play your old gaming console while on the treadmill.

11. Pace. I don't care who you are, male or female, you talk on the phone at some point. Instead of just kicking back with the tv on while talking, pace and walk around. You could also clean your house or do laundry while talking on the phone. You will probably be able to pay more attention to the conversation than if the TV were on, and you will be productive! Think multitasking.

12. Drink coffee or tea. Research actually found a correlation between those who live longer with drinking coffee daily. (Book: Ageless Body, Timeless Mind) Make your own judgments here. I recommend drinking a cup of hot coffee or tea after meals instead of dessert. It makes you feel full and may give you a jolt of energy. Don't go overboard with caffeine though.

13. Snowballs. This one is creative but a little strange. I bought a snowball maker from Wal-Mart. It was probably less than $10. I crush ice with it and don't add flavoring. I eat my ice with a spoon when I'm nervous. Admit it. Sometimes you eat for the sake of eating when you're not hungry. This is a great solution. Eating ice may sound like it couldn't possibly be fulfilling or soothing, but it is. You may be shocked at how much you like the texture even with no flavoring. This is a great way to stay hydrated/cool as well. I don't recommend chewing on regular ice as this may damage your teeth.

14. Remember those pearly whites. If you have a problem with eating at night when your metabolism has no chance of burning that food so late, try this. Brush your teeth earlier. Instead of brushing your teeth right before bed at 10 or 11, brush your teeth at 8. You won't want to eat because food tastes horrible when mixed with toothpaste and listerine.

15. Drink non-fat milk instead of regular. This one is easier than the wheat bread step! There's no excuse not to switch.

16. Start playing a sport if you can but make sure you enjoy it. Do not-I repeat- do not force yourself to do something you hate and call it exercise. You are associating exercise with negative, tedious tasks. Exercise can be fun! Forget the gym. Live a little. Try biking, walking, tennis, golf, football with friends, frisbee, yoga, dance, or any other activity you honestly ENJOY.

17. Eat what you already eat but differently. I know you should probably change your diet if you need to lose weight, you know this too but you're still eating the same things. Hence, you may need to try a different tactic. For example, if you have already made up your mind that you deserve McDonald's, eat a SMALL order of fries. The word sounds strange doesn't it? SMALL. Try ordering it, it's liberating. I love it when the cashier asks, "Is that all?" I get to say "Yes, that's all." :) Try cutting your food in half and saving some for later. This is really a neat trick. If you're at a restaurant and enjoying your food, slow down and tell yourself it is so good that it would be a shame not to have some later. Always aim for a to-go box. You save money as well. You could also order a large meal and split it with a friend.

18. Take a picture of yourself, cut off your head, tape/glue it to a body (realistic) you like. Look at the picture constantly. Keep it in your wallet or use it as a bookmark. With a little patience, you can make the photo look real. It will be easy to picture your goal when it's right there in front of you.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor before changing your diet or exercise regime.
• Make sure you are capable of doing the steps you decide to do above.
• Be safe.
• I cannot stress enough that your picture be realistic. Don't pick someone who has a tiny frame if even when you lose weight, you don't have a small frame. You can't change your bones without seriously damaging your health. If you have a pear shape, pick an attractive body with a pear shape. You get the idea.
• Warning! You will WITHOUT A DOUBT lose weight if you incorporate these steps into your life. Exercise and "dieting" are sometimes only a quick fix. Many people exercise or "diet" for 6 months to a year or less and then quit. If your weight fluctuates, change your lifestyle by changing your habits. If these steps seem easy, GOOD. Easy steps can easily be added to your life. Start small. Don't aim for the Olympics until you have lost a little weight with these tips first. Make your mottos and live by habits... good habits.