4 Uncommon Weight Loss Tips (Part 2)

4 Uncommon Weight Loss Tips

1. Stand up as much as possible when you’re at home

Even if it seems odd, this tip will surprise you if you give it a try. First, standing upright requires additional muscular work, which is synonymous with higher calorie expenditure than resting positions. But the most important part is that because it’s hard to enjoy standing up and doing nothing, you will tend to keep yourself busy. Thus, tasks that are always postponed will be done. No more hazardous trips in the basement because of that burnt light, and the Tupperwares will finally find their matching lids!

2. Turn off all monitors

Instead of eating while working on the computer thinking that you are saving time, take the time to relax without being bombarded with information. Not only will you be more aware of the quantities of food you eat, you will also be more available to talk with other people. After work, you will also notice how much time you save at home when your television, smartphone, and computer are off. Subject yourself to some daily ‘’completely offline’’ time. Also, avoid sleeping with your television or computer screen turned on, as they could disturb your sleep if they emit noise or light[1].

3. Use a Swiss ball to work or sit

First, activating the deep stabilizing muscles to stay in place will increase your caloric expenditure while improving your balance and posture. You will also inevitably begin to bounce on it occasionally, something you would not do on a regular chair. You will also be more prone to standing up. Indeed, being unable to ‘’collapse’’ into a chair as you are used to will make you less lazy!

4. Go to bed early at regular hours[2]

A good refreshing sleep ensures better stress management and hormonal control:

1) Growth hormone (GH) is secreted during deep sleep phases. If you are sleep deprived, you will release less growth hormone, favouring fat gains and hindering muscle growth[3]. A great way to waste a good workout!

2) Sleep deprivation promotes obesity because of the increased production of ghrelin (appetite stimulant) coupled with decreased production of leptin (appetite suppressant)[4].

Finally, the more you wait before going to bed, the more chances you have to get hungry. If you’re the kind of person who indulges into excess when you are really hungry, this tip might just be your Holy Grail….

By Xavier Jutras

4 Uncommon Weight Loss Tips (Part 2) is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
Copyright © Nautilus Plus 2014