The Bare Minimum
Weight loss doesn’t have to be hard; in fact, sometimes it can be super easy. If you find yourself unmotivated or feeling lazy, then there are still plenty of low-effort things you can do to passively lose weight. You don’t have to hit the gym or follow a stringent diet; instead, these 20 tips are so easy to do, you won’t even notice you’re doing them.
1. Don’t Buy Sodas
This tip is so easy to follow that you don’t even have to do anything. Actually, that’s the point: not doing an action. Don’t go into the soda aisle, and don’t buy any of those sugary drinks. You might get upset when you’re at home, but if you refuse to make a supply, you’ll have no choice but to choose water instead. Soda is full of empty calories, and you can easily put away a few cans without realizing it, so it’s better to eliminate the temptation.
2. Virtual Reality Games
Playing video games is considered a lazy pastime, especially since you spend most of the time being super sedentary. However, virtual reality games really switch it up. Kind of like the Wiis of the past, these games require you to actually get up and move, providing some passive exercise.
3. Uninstalling Food Delivery Apps
When you open up your phone and are greeted by the DoorDash or Uber Eats app, it’s all too easy to just click it. After all, delivery is far more convenient than cooking at home. But takeout also comes at the cost of unhealthy foods, as they’re usually prepared in a way to emphasize flavor rather than health. For example, baked fries at home will always be healthier than the oily versions from stores.
4. Walking Desks
You’ve heard of standing desks, but what about walking desks? This includes tucking a treadmill under your standing desk so you can pace while you work or play games. This is a great way to get some light exercise in from the comfort of your home.
5. Buy Groceries on a Full Stomach
You know how they say you should never buy groceries when hungry? Well, time to do the exact opposite! Buy groceries when you’re totally full to the brim. This will shut down cravings and prevent you from buying unhealthy, random foods.
6. Going Sober
More people are choosing to be sober than ever before, with most younger generations never picking up the habit. One perk of this lifestyle is the weight loss, as alcoholic drinks are often full of empty calories. There’s a reason it’s called a beer belly after all.
7. Falling Asleep
While this one isn’t as effective, some people report success by choosing sleep instead. When it’s super late at night and you’re feeling the urge to binge or snack, consider falling asleep instead. Sometimes, giving in to the tiredness is easier than convincing yourself to get up and cook.
8. An Exercise Bike
A bike may seem like pretty active work, but it doesn’t have to be. Simply sit down on it while playing games on your console, while watching TV, or while scrolling through your phone. This way, you’re doing the usual easy and distracting activities you always do, with the caveat of getting exercise. Most people won’t even notice the time fly, and before they know it, they’ve ridden for miles.
9. Psyllium Husks
This is an interesting and unique one, but be sure to do your research before incorporating it into your diet. Essentially, psyllium husks are the outer cover of seeds and are good for digestion and relieving constipation. They’re essentially pure fiber and expand in the stomach when exposed to water, which makes you feel way fuller than you actually are.
Retired electrician on Wikimedia
10. Choose Zero Calorie Sodas
With all the zero-calorie drinks out there like Coke Zero, you might be wondering if they’re actually good for you. While we’ve yet to see how they interact long-term with gut microbiomes, these zero-calorie sodas are proven to be useful for weight loss and managing a calorie deficit. So, if you really want that sparkly drink, just choose a zero-calorie option.
11. Drink Water
This may seem silly but having water around and constantly drinking it can also help you feel full. A lot of times, when you’re hungry, you’re actually just thirsty instead. Water can help fill your stomach and make you eat less when possible.
12. Walk to Places
If the grocery store is ten minutes away, consider walking instead of driving. Or when you’re hungry, walk to a restaurant rather than order it out. Just finding little excuses to walk whenever possible can definitely build up.
13. An Active Hobby
If exercise or physical activity is something you dread, then you just need to find a more fun outlet. Consider taking up rock climbing instead of going to the gym. Or participating in mini golf or archery. These are fun hobbies that will help you get on your feet.
14. Take Stairs
The elevator might certainly be a more convenient means to get where you need to go, but the stairs are better for you. This is a pretty relaxed and low-effort way to work in some exercise. Maybe take the stairs when leaving your apartment and opt for the elevator when returning.
15. Buy Healthy Snacks
If you’re in the mood for snacking and all you have in the house is nuts, fruits, and protein bars, then you probably won’t have to worry about too much sugar or fat. To ensure you end up buying those good-for-you snacks, be sure to shop when you’re feeling health-motivated. This way, you can stock your fridge with the perfect treats.
16. Ditch the Juices
Some drinks advertise themselves to be healthier than they actually are. For instance, most juices and sweet teas are loaded with sugar. Either find pure juices with low sugar content or consider good old sparkling water instead.
17. Budgeting
There’s a fine intersection between money and food, and you can use one to manage the other. For example, if you only budget 300 a month on food, you’ll be less inclined to waste the money on takeout, sugary snacks, and fancy drinks. Of course, be careful that the opposite doesn’t happen and you only buy junk food.
18. Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting involves taking eating out of the equation, at least for short periods of time. You can look up the right schedule or ratio that works for you, but essentially, you block out times where you won’t eat. So, all you have to do is continue the status quo, but with less cooking hassle.
Rachael Gorjestani on Unsplash
19. Keep Food Simple
You can also reduce your calories just by keeping your food simple. For example, you want fries? No problem. Just skip all the sauces that get slathered on top. Similarly, eat the salad without the dressing, or have a scoop of plain vanilla ice cream rather than the loaded kind.
20. Be Even Lazier
One of the laziest ways to lose weight is by quite literally doing nothing. Don’t make as much of an effort to eat unhealthily. Don’t waste your time with takeout and check in with your body to make sure you’re hungry rather than snacking for the sake of snacking.
