Seven ways to lose weight even while sitting down
After a short break during the holiday celebrations, most people will find themselves spending a large chunk of their days sitting down as they go about their usual routine – whether it’s at the office in front of a computer, in the car during the drive to and from work, or just having their regular meals.
Sitting is sometimes unavoidable but instead of fighting gravity’s pull, here are seven ways to beat the sedentary lifestyles at its own game by boosting metabolism and burning calories even while sitting down.
1. Do small tone-ups
Sitting down does not always mean not moving about. You can still stretch those arms, flex those leg muscles, and even do some toe taps. All these are tiny tone-ups that you can still do even when chained to a desk all day.
2. Take a coffee or tea break
Grab a (low-sugar) coffee or even better, drink some green tea. Not only will it lift you out of your mid-afternoon slump, green tea is also full of antioxidants known as catechins that boost fat oxidation.
3. Choose the right snacks
Picking out the right snacks like nuts or dried fruit can help you feel fuller for longer so you’re not tempted to guzzle down that chocolate bar that you got at the shops during lunch.
4. Replace your chair
Swap your regular office chair for an exercise ball if you’d like to really tone up your muscles and shed some kilos while sitting. According to some registered dieticians, they can help you burn up to an extra 100 calories a day.
5. Keep cool
The body burns more calories trying to stay warm so, in theory, turning down the air conditioning may actually be able to help you burn more calories.
6. Dance in your chair
Put your headphones on and crank up some tunes. Music has a universal positive psychological effect and can serve to reduce stress, which is also known to help with weight control.
7. Fidget
According to an Iowa State University study, researchers found that those who frequently fidgeted, stood up, and walked around could burn an additional 300 calories per day, compared to those who remain stationary.
