People often misunderstand that weight loss happens only at the gym or while playing a sport. However, weight loss begins at home, say diet and fitness experts from the city.
Chennai:
“First, one needs to find out the reason for weight gain. Once the source of all those extra pounds has been identified, he/she can get started,” says Paul Anthony, a personal trainer. Here are some tips he suggests to lose weight at home:
Eat right
More fruits and vegetables: Including fruits and vegetables in your diet is important for a toned body as they are a good source of vitamins. They consist of soluble and insoluble fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients, which help in the digestion and removal of toxins.
Intermittent fasting: Intermittent fasting is one of the best ways to lose weight. It means you do not eat calories for more than 14 hours in a day. These hours include sleep, which makes it easy.
Use smaller plates and divide your meals: Smaller plates help you eat less because it changes how you see portion sizes. Have 4-6 meals a day instead of three, at regular intervals. This will help increase body metabolism and make you feel less hungry. Drinking one glass of water before meals reduces appetite and increases the calories you burn by 24-30 per cent.
Stay physically active
Yoga: Yoga is one of the simplest and healthiest exercises you can do at home. It helps to build and maintain body weight. Performing these asanas will surely help you lose weight — Padmasana, Bhujangasana, Balasana and Tadasana.
Take the stairs: Taking stairs instead of the elevator is a good habit to adapt. This alone can help you shed so much weight. Also, if you have to travel short distances, to the neighbourhood supermarket or ATM, walk instead of taking a vehicle.
Exercise at home: There are certain exercises that can be performed at home without the help of any equipment, such as crunches, side leg raise, stretching, skipping, squats, jumping jacks, plans and so on. A 45-minute workout including all these activities everyday will be beneficial.