Archive for April 1st, 2009
Walk as Often as Possible
As always, the last 10 pounds are harder to shed than the first 30. But here is some good news: Some easy tweaks to the good habits you’ve already established can push you past your plateau and help you reach your final weight loss goal.
It’s one of the dirtiest tricks your body can play: The more you exercise, the less you’re inclined to stand, walk around, twiddle your thumbs, and generally burn calories during the 23 hours you’re not working out. And small changes in standing versus sitting can add up. A recent study found that obese women stood for two hours less than their lean counterparts—a simple habit researchers say could make a difference of 300 calories a day. Being aware of this potential pitfall can help you outsmart it, though. Standing for an hour more a day—at your desk, in the doctor’s waiting room, or at your kids’ soccer game—will burn 100 more calories than if you were sitting. On the weekends, let your post workout treat be window-shopping rather than movie watching to prevent a slump in calorie burn.
Just don’t let those last 10 pounds be the boss.