There are basically two important things that a person must do to lose weight. First is to eat right. Second is to exercise. However, there are many other tiny habits and activities that one can look into to give the extra boost to the weight loss effort.
1) Give up on the couch and television. The couch and television are simply the enemies to your battle on losing weight. If you are inclined to be a couch potato, throw out that comfortable couch. Put a less comfortable chair in front of the television. Same thing goes for the chair for the computer. If working on the computer at home is a must, at least make an effort to walk around and stretch every half an hour or so.
2) Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. While they are convenient contraptions, they make a person lazy and does little in the effort to lose weight. Walking up the stairs is actually a very beneficial form of exercise. Also it might be faster to take the stairs instead of waiting for the lift.
3) Quit smoking. Smoking does not exactly add to one's weight, but it does cause erratic eating behaviours and also increases caffeine dependence.
4) If you are taking public transport like the bus, alight one stop before your destination and walk the remaining distance. If the grocery store is not too far from your home, walk or ride a bike there to do the shopping. It might take longer but it is a useful workout and keep the body working on losing those weight.
5) Do pelvic gyrations while watching the television. They are good for the mid-section and help your body be prepared for the more serious stomach crunches. They are also beneficial to the back muscles and keeps one loose and flexible.
6) Suck in the stomach when walking or sitting. Do not slouch. Slouching is bad for the back and gives one a flabby figure. Always make it a point to stand and sit with a good posture and make an effort to keep the stomach tucked in.
7) Do breathing exercises to tone the mid-section. Breathing properly with the entire diaphragm can actually help to tighten the abdominal muscles.
8) Do some weight lifting. Strength training actually burns more fat. When the muscles are worked on, they begin to burn fat to fuel muscle growth.
9) Pick up a useful hobby like dancing. Some dances like salsa, tango or fox trot are fast-paced and will keep the body moving. Even slow ballroom dancing is a lot of exercise and will definitely tone your legs and lose some weight.
10) Before going to bed, undress and see yourself in the mirror. Take note of areas that need improvement on and which are your best assets. Taking a self assessment can be a big motivation and don't forget those compliments on improvements made.
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