Weight loss tips that have nothing to do with dieting or working out

Since #fitspo, acai smoothie bowls and barre classes became the new normal, making the decision to shed a few kilos has become quite overwhelming experience. So with the help of dietician Susie Burrell, we thought we’d make it simple for you and list some of the little things you can do to drop the weight. Oh, and they have absolutely nothing to do with diet or exercise. Because, lazy.

#1 Chew your food for longer

No matter how busy you are, always take the time to really chew your food. This will trick your brain into thinking you’ve eaten more than if you were to scoff it straight down.

#2 Put your knife and fork down in between each mouthful

“This has been shown to cut calorie intake by 20%,” says Susie.

#3 Use smaller plates for serving

Not only will this help you to cut down on portion sizes, but seeing a full plate will convince your brain that you’re eating your usual amount.

#4 Start your meal with a soup or salad

That way, you’re already filling up some of your stomach using minimal calories and you’ll eat a smaller portion of your main meal. #smart

#5 Eat at the table with no distractions

When you turn off the TV and shut your laptop, your brain can actually focus on the meal in front of you, meaning you’re less likely to mindlessly eat mouthful after mouthful. Classical music has also been proven to slow down eating, giving the body time to realise it’s full before it’s too late.

#6 Write a shopping list

Or shop online so you can see view everything in your trolley before purchasing. If you don’t have a list, you’ll buy things you don’t need and then eat them because you don’t want to be ‘wasteful’.

#7 Plan your meals and snacks in advance

We get it, it’s so much easier to order a pizza than think about what you’re going to eat, then go to the supermarket, cook and wash up. So set aside time on your Sunday to plan and pre-prepare your meals for the week. And maybe hide the takeout menus. Just sayin’…

#8 Always carry a protein-rich snack with you

We make silly food decisions when we’re hungry, so stash a snack in your handbag to keep cravings in check. Munch on something protein-rich, like nuts, to give you energy and make you feel fuller for longer.

#9 Get enough sleep

The more energy you have from a good night’s sleep, the less energy you’ll crave from food. It’s science.

#10 Eat before you go to the supermarket

Again, hunger = regrettable decisions. Even if you’re not overly hungry before you hit the shops, have an apple. Otherwise, you’ll be leaving Woolies with a Snickers in your hand.

#11 Eat before you go to a party

Chips, dip, cheese, crackers, canapes – do we really need to explain this one? If your stomach is satisfied beforehand, you’ll have a standing chance of avoiding the buffet.

#12 Feel the cold

Try not to run your heater all day and all night in winter. By letting your body feel the cold, it’ll have to work harder to heat itself up and therefore burn more calories to keep you warm.

#13 Use your phone pedometer – and challenge your friends

The average amount of steps you should be taking per day is 10,000. You can even challenge your friends to see who can do the most steps over a period of time using Duels, a new feature on the Jawbone Up app.

#14 Pay for your food with cash

According to data from McDonald’s, people who pay with cards spend far more ($4.50 compared to $7.00) than those who pay with cash.

#15 Keep healthy food close

If you have a bag of nuts or some fruit on your desk, you’ll be more likely to reach for that while you work instead of heading out to fetch a bag of chips. So, use your laziness to your advantage, and keep healthy foods close and junk food far, far away.

#16 Avoid cooking shows and ad breaks

Sorry, Masterchef fans, but watching people create delicious meals naturally makes you want to eat. The same goes for food commercials – I bet you weren’t craving chocolate until that damn Marvellous Creations ad came on!

#17 Throw out your ‘baggy’ clothing

Hiding behind your big woolly jumpers and comfy trackies? Chuck them out. Otherwise, you’re never going to be motivated to fit into those skinny jeans.

#18 Light a candle at dinner

Choose a sweetly scented one, like vanilla. The smell will help to curb your dessert cravings. Interesting, huh?

#19 Drink a glass of water before you eat

A lot of the time, we mistake hunger for thirst, so drink a glass of water whenever you get a hunger pang. If that doesn’t do the trick, then go ahead and eat.

Have you ever tried any of the above hacks? What’s your best weight loss tip?