Losing weight without exercising?
SO your clothes have got too tight for work and your thighs are sticking together. You can see the cellulite clearly when you wear short shorts, and you no longer have one spare tyre, but three. But your long work hours and commitment to family time do not afford you the time needed to work out, and that personal goal of losing weight hangs over your head like a heavy rain cloud.
According to certified weight management specialist and fitness and nutrition coach at Spartan Health Club, Meloney Martin, “Weight gain did not occur overnight, therefore attempting quick fixes can ultimately cause more harm than good to your health.”
She told All Woman that while she has seen “quick fixes” occur before her eyes, she does not recommend these to people who are committed to experiencing a lifestyle change and managing their weight.
“Quick fixes are usually only as good as the name suggests, meaning they never last, and before you know it, there you go again, trying another one,” she said.
She said while she understands that the most natural reaction for people wanting to lose weight without exercise is dieting, this may not be the best health decision to make.
“You’re thinking that your problem will be solved [through dieting], and yes, you are correct to an extent, because if you reduce your calorie intake, naturally you will lose weight. However, it’s not entirely the best way to go about it if you are planning a healthy lifestyle change.”
She encourages people who are aiming to achieve weight loss in the absence of exercise to consult a nutritionist before making drastic dietary changes.
“A nutritionist is a person who studies food and advises on matters of how food impacts one’s health,” she said, explaining that there are a number of benefits to be derived from the inclusion of a nutritionist, such as learning to read and calculate calories and the impact they have on the body.
The nutritionist will also explain the importance of each food group in the diet and tracking your progress as you experience your lifestyle change.
Martin said that employing weight loss programmes may prove more challenging for some people depending on their state of health.
“If you have ailments such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems or have suffered any major strokes; if you are on medication for life-threatening illnesses, please see your health care practitioner before attempting all weight loss programmes,” she advised.
Martin said that there are a number of things that a person hoping to lose weight without exercise can do.
They include:
* Drinking more water
* Reducing the intake of junk food
* Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet
* Reducing quantities of sweet snacks, juices, sodas, candies and chocolate in the diet
* Making yourself more accountable for the types of food consumed
* Keeping a food journal
* Refraining from skipping meals and reducing alcohol intake
* Getting more sleep
* Setting realistic weight loss goals.
