Despite being a part of the Your Shape Challenge, I have had about 4 weeks in the last 2 months where I couldn’t exercise. First it was asthma induced by a bad case of viral bronchitis. Now it’s something I dubbed “Blogger’s neck,” a sharp shooting pain every time I turn my head to the right.
I saw my chiropractor, who adjusted me, and ordered me to come in for a massage this weekend. (tough life, I know!) Yet despite icing it, taking pain meds, and getting care it still hurts, so I’m not exercising until it feels better. I tried and ended up feeling so much worse after I did Your Shape for a few minutes.
The pain is so bad that I’m sitting right now with a pack of corn on my neck to ice it, I’d much rather be outside taking a long walk, or gardening, or being able to walk without feeling like turning my head might make my head explode.
The last week has been all about food choices, appropriate since our challenge with Your Shape this week is to track everything we eat. I’m gluten-free, and going dairy free this week (which is tough as a cheese lover). I’m eating more fruit and veggies, and being gluten free means less snacking while we are out. I’ve seen a slight drop in weight, but mainly I feel better.
Even if you are busy, or not able to exercise for physical reasons you can still control your diet which accounts for a larger percentage of weight issues than lack of exercise.
Here are some easy ways to help you lose weight without exercising-whether you are too busy, or like me can’t exercise for the short-term.
photo credit: globevisions
- Eat smaller portions: Portion sizes at restaurants and one most plates tend to be over the top large. If you are eating at home, cut your portion in half, and if you are eating our ask for a doggie bag as soon as your meal comes. Cut it in half, and you have dinner or lunch for tomorrow as well.
- Eat more greens: I know not everyone loves greens, but find ways to incorporate more greens into your diet-your colon will thank you.
- Drink water: If you don’t love it try jazzing it up with lemon, lime or a splash of juice. I don’t recommend replacing water with 0 calorie drinks because they are full of preservatives.
- Eat WHOLE: Shop the perimeter of your grocery store, and avoid purchasing anything that has an ingredient list or one that has more than 5 ingredients. Stick with things that are whole-as they were grown, produced- without fillers, preservatives and names you can’t pronounce.
- Experiment with elimination: Many people suffer from food allergies and intolerances. Some are life threatening, but some may not be noticeable until after you stop eating a particular food. Try an elimination diet-you may react to nothing, or you may have a handful of things you should avoid.
What are some ways you could stand to improve your diet? Have you successfully lost weight through changes in your diet?
Kelly
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