Weight Loss Wednesday: Weight Loss Tips for Busy People

We have all done this at some point in our lives; you swear that tomorrow you will have time to pack a nutritious lunch before leaving for work, but that tomorrow rarely comes. You are convinced you will get to the gym on your lunch hour or do a workout video at night after the kids go to bed and that happens close to never. Your intentions are always good, but sometimes your busy life gets in the way of your weight loss plans, but don’t give up! You can still eat healthy and squeeze in some exercise, even on the craziest days. So, here are some ways busy people stay on track with weight loss:

They Plan Ahead

Mornings can be crazy so don’t try to add something else to your to-do list. Instead, use the night before to make your lunch and spend an afternoon on the weekend portioning out a bunch of healthy snacks that you can grab on your way out the door such as hardboiled eggs, trail mix, a handful of mixed nuts or string cheese.

They Stand Up

Any opportunity you have to be standing instead of sitting, you should take; like at a staff meeting, when you are on the phone, or during commercials while you are watching TV. That little movement not only burns more calories, but it also helps keep your metabolism humming. When you sit, body processes that help break down fats and sugar in your body stall so stand up or walk a little and you kick the processes back into action.

They Make Smart Swaps

When hunger strikes and you realize your only choice is a vending machine, deli or drive-through, you can still stay on track. Get the smallest plainest burger; think grilled, not crispy; get your sandwich in a lettuce wrap or on whole grain bread, not a white roll; replace fries with a salad or steamed veggies and if you just need a little snack to hold you over, opt for unsalted trail mix or a hard-boiled egg.

They Break Up Their Workouts

Take a 10-minute walk several times a day. You get the same health benefits in more manageable bursts. Keep an extra pair of walking shoes at work or in the car to sneak in extra steps whenever you can. For example, if you are out running errands, you can speed walk between stores for an extra calorie burn.

I hope this gives you some ideas that will help keep you on track with your weight loss plan when life gets a little crazy busy and until next week, be happy, healthy, and beautiful!