8 Easy Ways to Help Busy Professionals Lose Weight without a Dedicated Diet or Workout Routine  

Weight loss is a top concern for most people; it’s just above finances, family and relationships on our list of personal concerns. And most of us attempt a new diet or workout routine every year to lose a few pounds and tone-up. Especially as we age, when our metabolism slows down and our jean sizes go up. But most experts agree, that while we’re all fixated on losing weight and getting healthier, most of us are doing it wrong by focusing on strict short-term diets and workouts that leave us sore and exhausted.

Here are eight everyday activities to help you lose weight, without a strict diet or workout routine:

Tweak Your Lifestyle
Drop the all-or-nothing mentality for dieting and weight loss. The secret to long-term weight loss is to tweak your lifestyle; stop pursuing short-term diets. A short-term diet means short-term weight loss. That goes the same for boot camps and short-term exercise plans. The key is to tweak your existing lifestyle for long lasting weight loss. Don’t sign-up for anything that’s short-term. If you’re going to make changes make them gradually and make sure you’re committed for the long-haul.

Change Your Lunch Habits
It’s easy for most busy professionals to get into poor lunch habits. You might have a favorite fast-food or sit-down restaurant close to your office that you frequent and have a go-to order that’s not as healthy as it can be. But, after several exhausting meetings you’re craving that chicken burrito with extra cheese and guacamole from Chipotle — a glorious food break from business jargon and revenue forecasts.  Try ordering a burrito bowl or skip the cheese and rice, to reduce the calories and carbs and add extra pico de gallo for vitamin C (also black beans are a healthier options than refried beans).  You can still have your favorite go-to order, just try to make it a little healthier, so you’ll crave a healthy lunch order after that grueling work meeting.

Drink More Water
Drinking water is one of the simplest activities to help with weight loss. Drinking water throughout the day keeps you hydrated and it helps curb hunger and mindless snacking. Most offices have a hydration station or at least water fountains sprinkled throughout the building. So, carry a water bottle with you at all times. Consider adding fruit (berries or orange/lemon slices) or cucumber slices to it to add a little flavor. Instead of having a diet soda at lunch or during a break, drink water instead.

Skip the Sweets
Staying away from cookies, candies and donuts in the breakroom are a given, but you might not realize how much sugar you’re drinking with your morning vanilla latte and orange juice or with your much anticipated margarita at happy hour. Switch to black coffee and water with orange slices for your morning beverages and order a skinny margarita for happy hour (a regular margarita usually has about 500 calories vs. a skinny margarita which is made without syrup will be around 150 calories). Also, be careful with your wine consumption. One glass of wine typically has 120 calories, but those calories can add-up fast with a couple of glasses.

Eat Breakfast
Starting your day with a light nutritious breakfast is key to maintaining healthy eating habits. Pick something low in fat and carbohydrates but high in protein and nutrients. Two hardboiled eggs, scrambled eggs with onions, peppers, and sliced tomatoes, eggs over easy with avocado slices or Greek yogurt with berries are great healthy options for breakfast.  Just enough to get you through your morning meetings and onto your favorite healthy lunch spot.

Get Up from Your Desk 
Too many professionals get too comfortable at their desks. Instead of sending an email or picking-up your phone to talk to an office colleague, try walking over to their desk instead.  Or instead of calling into a meeting, attend it live and take the stairs on your way.  Also, consider taking long conference calls from a nearby gym on the elliptical, treadmill or stationary bike. Or plan 2 to 3 short conference calls back-to-back, so you can get through a 60-90 minute workout at a leisurely pace.

Switch-up Happy Hour
Who says happy hour has to be a sit-down affair?  Instead of catching up with girlfriends at a restaurant, try meeting at a park and doing a few laps around to get your heartbeat up and avoid the happy hour cocktails and snacks. You could even bring a to-go cup with your favorite skinny cocktail to sip during your walk or hike (side note – please abide by all local laws)

Walk to the Store
Do you live less than a mile from your grocery store? Do you sometimes drive to the store just to pick-up a few items? Next time you need to run to the store to pick-up a few items, consider walking instead of driving and grab a shoulder bag or backpack to carry your items in on the way home. You’ll be able to get a light workout in and enjoy a stroll outside.