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For some reason, people treat changing calendars as an event that marks the beginning of a new lifestyle, usually one that includes a focus on health. Sure enough, the two most popular resolutions are "losing weight" and "staying fit and healthy." It's pretty much a given that come January 1, gyms will be slammed and salad bars will be crammed.
But what about the folks who aren't ready to dive into something extremely demanding, like CrossFit five days a week or a seriously restrictive diet plan? Are there less-challenging, yet still effective ways to lose weight? Absolutely!
Credit: Flickr/Catherine Sharman
Nix the sodas and fruit juices
Here's something to think about: if you currently drink two servings of soda or juice a day, and you simply stopped drinking it right now, opting instead for healthier alternatives like sparkling water or just plain water, you'd easily be able to eliminate 300+ calories from your day and shed almost 1lb a week without any additional exercise.
Simplify your coffee
Since coffee contains caffeine, it can stimulate fat burn and weight loss. Unfortunately, coffee loses all of its weight-loss potential when you cram it with unhealthy additives like super-sweet syrups and sugars. End result: a once-healthy black coffee becomes a fattening sugarbomb. So here's a simple solution for coffee-lovers who also want to lose weight: start taking your coffee black, and if you really can't stand the bitterness, go for a naturally low-calorie sweetener, like stevia. Bottom line, by going au natural with your coffee, you'll tighten up your waistline.
Credit: Flickr/Jpellgen
Reduce your carbs three days per week
Not all carbs are the devil, but eating a diet high in refined carbs (think white rice, pasta, cereal, bread) can cause elevated blood sugar and insulin. End result: eating a diet high in refined carbs can make you fat and sick-- and it can make it harder to lose weight.
More from Thrillist:
How to Start Working Out If You Really Hate Exercising
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