7 Weight-Loss Tips That Do Not Involve Working Out or Dieting
Good news, science says you can actually burn calories and burst your metabolism by doing what you enjoy, like eating chocolate, drinking wine, and going shopping. All things in moderation, of course, but this is great news for those who want to ease into weight loss by starting with the things they love to do.
Here are 7 weight-loss tips that do not involve working out or dieting. (Although you should still be working out and eating healthily to reap the most benefits.)
Drink wine
Miss some time at the gym? Pick up a glass of merlot. Studies from Washington State University and Harvard Medical School found that red wine contains a polyphenol, a type of micronutrient, called resveratrol that turns “white fat” into “beige fat” – which is easier to burn off. A study from Arizona State University also suggests that resveratrol can also help suppress your cravings, so you may be less likely to indulge in late-night snacks. But do not go too overboard on the red wine, one or two glasses should do the trick.
Eat chocolate
This is music to many people’s ears. Researchers found that the antioxidants in chocolate can help block the breakdown of fat and carbohydrates, which means less is absorbed into your bloodstream and trapped in your fat cells. Specifically, the flavanols in chocolate can both elevate your mood and improve your blood flow, causing you to possibly feel more energetic. The energy you feel from chocolate can cause you to see an increase in productivity and motivation to exercise. But to get this benefit, make sure you take it easy because even dark chocolate calories can add up quickly. So, use it as a small boost, not a major tool.
Take a hot bath
A hot bath could have more benefits than just helping you relax. According to research published in the journal Temperature, a one-hour hot bath can burn approximately 140 calories, which is about the same number of calories you would burn from a half-hour walk. It can also help lower blood sugar. It certainly will not replace exercise, but it gives you an excuse to hop in the tub after a stressful day.
Hit the pillow
As if you needed another reason to be in bed by 9 p.m., a study conducted by Columbia University found that people are more likely to gain weight when they have not gotten enough sleep. Researchers found that men and women who have had nine hours of sleep versus four consumed about 300 calories less than those who were sleep-deprived. Women, in particular, were more likely to choose fatty foods.
Down some tea
Green tea has been praised for its antioxidant properties for a while, but it can now be hailed for its metabolism-boosting abilities as well. Research published in the journal Obesity found that obese mice with a high-fat diet gained weight 45 percent slower when also fed with a compound found in green tea. This could be due to EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate, which improves the body’s cellular machinery responsible for burning fat by increasing metabolic rate.
Head to the mall
Research has shown that walking is great for our health. Walking can even be on par with running when you walk with weights, aka shopping bags. So, head to your favorite stores and treat yourself in the name of fitness.
Get a massage
There is an abundance of mind-body benefits of getting a massage. It can fight insomnia and melts away stress and anxiety, all of which can lead to overeating. When we are stressed, our bodies produce elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that can cause carb cravings. So grab a friend, your partner, or enjoy some quality alone time and head to your nearest wellness center.