40 No-Brainer Things to Do Today For a Slimmer Tomorrow

By Sarah Lipoff
Shutterstock
Shutterstock

Losing weight takes hard work and commitment, but we partnered with Progresso™ Soups on this post to prove that lots of little changes can make a big difference, too.

Life gets busy, which makes it so easy to get into bad habits that quickly pack on the pounds. But there are no-brainer ways to stop tossing back empty calories and start consciously making the right decisions for a slimmer middle. And it's not just about shredding pounds, it's about having a healthier inner you, which makes these tips winners all around.

  1. Count calories: Yes, it's tedious, but counting calories lets you know exactly what you're eating — and if it's too much.
  2. Walk: One of the easiest ways to start losing weight is to walk everywhere. I made a bet with myself for a month to walk everywhere that was within a mile of my home. Once you change a habit, it totally makes sense.
  3. Do cardio: No one really wants to crank into some cardio, but once your body gets used to it, you'll love the happy-feeling endorphins rushing through your body. And how it makes you look on the outside, too.
  4. Eat breakfast: You might think you're cutting calories by skipping breakfast, but it's just leaving you with a grumbling tummy. Fuel your body the right way with a quick-and-healthy smoothie you can take on the go.

Source: Leta Shy

  1. Stop weighing yourself: Instead of helping, you're adding extra stress on yourself by jumping on that scale daily. Take an honest look at your body and set goals based on areas you'd like to tighten or bulges you'd rather not see.
  2. Drink water all day: Water keeps you hydrated and feeling full — and boosts your metabolism. So keep a chilled glass of water handy all day for an easy jump on losing weight.
  3. Stop drinking soda: Really, just stop it. Drink mineral water if you're craving the fizz.
  4. Make your own coffee: Instead of stopping by your favorite coffee spot and indulging in a latte, make your own coffee — but take it black. That extra sugar and cream are sneaky.
  5. Eat more fresh veggies: Fresh broccoli, snappy carrot sticks, slivers of crisp red peppers — all better options than chips. Make this yogurt dip, and you're set for an afternoon snack. Or replace your dinner sides with steamed veggies topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
  6. Do several short workouts daily: Sneak in a couple of workouts throughout the day to boost your metabolism. Check out these 10-minute workouts you can do anywhere.
  7. Do indulge: If you're withholding all the yummy deliciousness from your life, you are missing out. And you're more apt to go nuts and overdo it when you do finally give in to your cravings. Make these healthy chocolate treats instead. Just stop after one. Seriously.

Source: Jenny Sugar

  1. Eat dinner at home: Stop dining out, and make a homemade dinner instead. You'll know exactly what's going into your meals while mastering a valuable life skill. Here are tons of comforting recipes that really hit the spot — without packing on the pounds.
  2. Portion right: Learn the art of proper portion control, and you'll have a visual memory of what's the right amount of each food item. Here's how to see how much is the proper portion when plating your next meal.
  3. Eat foods high in antioxidants: Along with being a healthy addition to your diet, dark, leafy greens, blueberries, raspberries, beets, and even sweet potatoes are all high in antioxidants, which are so good for your body.
  4. Eat yogurt: Bet you didn't think you'd be told to eat so much to lose weight! But adding a serving of yogurt to your day introduces probiotics to your gut, promoting good digestion, which is so helpful when trying to lose weight.
  5. Don't give up: Don't stop believing — you can reach your goals! These motivational quotes will get you there.
  6. Pack your own lunch: Bringing your own lunch to work is a really easy way to cut the calories. Not sure what to make? It can be as easy as tossing a can of Progresso Light Soup in your bag or creating a quick and easy low-calorie lunch.

Source: Leta Shy

  1. Use smaller plates: More of a visual thing than anything, but opting for a smaller plate gives the impression you're eating a full plate. And we all know we eat with our eyes first, right?
  2. Have snacks handy: Stop temptation and have portion-controlled healthy snacks on hand so you can grab something smart instead of a candy bar. And you want to keep things right around 150 calories, which makes these tasty goodies fantastically tempting.
  3. Go to sleep: You might be surprised, but sleep deprivation can increase your appetite — and no one wants that.
  4. Eat more protein: Add clean protein to all your meals, and you'll feel fuller longer. And clean proteins give you energy, which keeps you moving during the day. Here's how to figure out how much protein will benefit you.
  5. Get rid of clothes that don't fit: If you're guilty of holding onto clothes that just don't fit, waiting for the day you'll be able to slip into those designer skinnies, it's best to let them go before they turn into a dust bunny. You're adding extra stress to your healthy living goals, so get over it.
  6. Stop after one drink: Yes, you've had a long day, but stopping after one drink keeps you in check with calories. Or portion out eight ounces of your favorite wine and add a bit of mineral water so it lasts longer.
  7. Take public transport: Instead of walking out your front door and unlocking your car, look into taking public transport. You'll probably have to walk to the bus stop, which sets your body in motion. And you're helping the planet — which is so great.
  8. Take the stairs: Any time you have the chance, take the stairs. Just one minute of walking up stairs burns five calories.
  9. Get on the side: Take control over your salads and takeout eats and get dressing and sauces on the side. Then challenge yourself to only use half of what's offered.
  10. Watch carbs: If you're like me, you love carbs, which is what really adds on the pounds. But swapping for something healthy that hits your cravings is so easy, especially with this spaghetti squash macaroni and cheese recipe.

Source: Lizzie Fuhr

  1. Move during commercials: While catching up on your favorite shows, instead of fast-forwarding through commercials, get up and do a Tabata interval. It's a great way to drop some pounds.
  2. Eat at the same time: Have breakfast, lunch, and dinner (even snacks!) at the same time every day. This sets your body to a rhythm, letting it know when food is coming, which totally cuts back on cravings.
  3. Clear your pantry of temptations: It might feel like a waste, but get rid of any tempting sweets and snacks lurking in your pantry that are eating distractions. Any items that haven't been opened can be dropped at your local homeless shelter.
  4. Make a motivational playlist: Get your booty in gear for getting busy with a motivational workout playlist.
  5. Write out your goals: Whether it's losing 10 pounds or feeling confident in a bikini, write out your weight-loss goals and place them in a spot you'll see every day, reminding you what you're working towards.
  6. Do yoga daily: Along with being a great way to create long, lean muscles, doing yoga daily is also a phenomenal way to unwind.
  7. Stop eating at night: Your body needs three hours to fully digest a meal, so determine the right time for eating dinner, then stop eating after that, which gives your body the opportunity to burn through those calories.
  8. Get a standing desk: Sit at your desk all day? Invest in a standing desk, which gives your workday a whole new perspective. You can burn 23 calories standing for 20 minutes.
  9. Use chopsticks: Even when snacking, opting for chopsticks gives your brain and body a moment to savor the moment. Unlike reaching for a fork or just noshing with your fingers, it takes concentration when using chopsticks, causing you to slow down and really chew your food.
  10. Eat more healthy fiber: Fiber is another healthy ingredient that gets your body moving, helping you reach your weight-loss goals. Adding more legumes to your meals is a smart tip toward dropping pounds.
  11. Sit on a balance ball: Sure, your couch is so comfortable, but sitting on a balance ball builds core muscles.
  12. Drink green tea: Even if you're not a big fan, green tea should be your new favorite beverage thanks to its metabolism-boosting abilities. Up to seven cups of green tea daily can help you shed the pounds.

More tips for looking and feeling your best — from ProgressOh!