The job of a homemaker is not only challenging but also complex. It requires you to concentrate on so many different aspects. Unlike career women, they don't have excuses to fall back upon when it comes to keeping the house spic and span or looking after their health. Having no clear-cut JD (job description) does not mean that they have all the time in the world. Even they find it difficult to visit the gym regularly. Therefore, instead of finding a separate time slot for exercise, why not embed some weight-loss tricks in the "mundane or otherwise" activities of the day and achieve the desired weight loss goals!
Ten Ways to Lose Weight at Home
- Maintain a Food Dairy: Most of the time, we are unaware of what we put in our mouth. Jotting down each and every morsel of food and snack you eat as well as the time you had them throughout the day may seem like a headache in the beginning, but in the long run will prove to be worth the effort. For one, you will have a record of what you ate. You will also know the time you put something in your mouth the last time. As much as you don't want to overeat, you also don't want to leave long gaps without food. Also, you will become aware of your weekend binges and emotional binges. It becomes easier to modify a habit when you have a clear-cut idea as to which ones to modify.
- Jog During Commercial Breaks: Make good use of the commercial breaks you get between your favorite TV serials. Get out of the couch during the commercial breaks and do some vigorous jogging, skipping, or dancing if you please, but it should make your heart rate and respiratory rate go up. Experts say that just by doing this, you could lose up to 270 calories a day if you watch 2 hours of TV a day and every commercial break is spent engaging in exercise!
- Never Forego the Opportunity to Walk: When you go for grocery shopping, before you actually select your goods, take one or two rounds around the store just looking at things. After that, start picking up your requirements. This way, you will get some extra leg-work, because once you have filled your trolley you are sure to head towards the billing counter.
- Do Mini Workouts at Home: You can stock some not-so-expensive exercise equipments at home, such as a stability ball, resistance bands, a stepper, or even a stationary bike if you can afford it. This way, you can incorporate 10-minute workouts in between your household chores. Exercising on a stationary bike can be done even while watching TV.
- Do Household Chores Yourself: Household chores like washing clothes, washing utensils, sweeping, mopping, etc., can become a fantastic exercise regimen in itself. A lot of calories can be lost just by doing all the chores yourself without depending on the maid. Just keep some music and get on with the work and see how it becomes interesting apart from lending you the much-needed exercise.
- Buy a Pedometer: Pedometer is a small device that records the number of steps you take, the kilometers covered, and the calories lost. Wearing a pedometer while going out will actually motivate you to take a few extra steps each day.
- Follow the 1-km Rule: With petrol prices hitting the roof, this one will be a case of "2 birds in 1 shot." Don't take out your car or scooter to go to pay your bills or when going to the bank, if the place falls within a kilometer distance. Walk it up, save petrol, burn calories!
- Don't Drink Your Fruit: Fruits are meant to be eaten. This will provide the much needed fiber along with giving you a satisfied feeling. Experts say that when you start chewing your food, saliva is produced and that sends a message to the brain to make the stomach ready for digestion followed by the satiated feeling a while later.
- Savor Your High-Calorie Treat: Normally, we have the tendency to gobble down our favorite treats in seconds. Now play a small game with yourself. Whenever you eat a high calorie treat, take it in a bowl or plate and sit down at a table. Admire the look of it, slowly smell it. Take a small bite and chew it, swirling it all around your mouth. Be aware of the texture and taste as you do this. After that, ask yourself if you want more of it. Chew the next bite double the number of times, about 15 to 20 times! If you want, you can finish the treat, but take at least 10 minutes to do it, in the same manner. Doing this will not only help you appreciate the taste and aroma of your treat, but also eat less. Experts say that when you are mindful of how your food actually tastes like, you tend to be more satisfied with it, and will not overeat.
- Sleep to Lose Weight: We require at least 8 hours of sleep every night. However, nowadays, computer, internet, and TV are robbing us off our night sleep. Scientists say that even some nights of sleep deprivation can result in weight gain. Avoid daytime sleeps or long naps. Once you regularize your sleep-wake cycle, you will see the difference in your weight.
In a way, it is going back to the basics. Let us accept the fact that our ancestors were healthier than us. Being mindful of our habits helps us tackle any flaws in it. To help cultivate the "mindfulness" habit, try meditation.
