How to Get a Little Healthier While Staying Just as Lazy

Being healthier can be a huge challenge, especially if you don’t have the time or the energy. But there are small changes you can make to your life where you can improve your health and still be lazy. Eat differently, exercise just a tiny bit more, and make a few other small changes to your life to improve your health without making huge changes to your everyday life.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Eating Well

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If you’re right-handed, put your fork in your left hand at meals. Using your nondominant hand as your fork hand makes you eat more slowly. Stop eating when you feel full, but not bloated. You’ll eat more slowly and probably consume less food.^{[1]XResearch source}
Buy those Milano cookies, but also make an effort to buy frozen fruit for smoothies and snap pea crisps to snack on, too.^{[2]XResearch source} Over time, try to eat fewer cookies and more of the healthy snacks you have on hand.
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Water will fill you up a little bit, so you won’t overeat at your next meal. Make it a habit to keep a water bottle near you at all times, whether you’re in your house or on the go.^{[3]XResearch source}
People who drink three to five cups of coffee a day are less likely to show early symptoms of heart disease. Don’t skip out of your morning cup of coffee or that afternoon pick me up.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Heart AssociationLeading nonprofit that funds medical research and public educationGo to source}
People who eat on smaller plates end up eating less food. Buy a few inexpensive smaller plates and bowls if yours are large. You’ll think you’ve eaten more than you have.^{[5]XResearch source}
Spicy foods may help to decrease your appetite. Go for extra hot salsa, some chili peppers, or cayenne pepper. Add it to your food for extra flavor and a health boost!^{[6]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Exercising

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Just two minutes...you can do it! You can even walk in circles around your couch while you watch TV. Walking will help you burn extra calories that would have been stored as fat, had you stayed sitting.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
Be sure to look behind you. Walking backwards, even in short bursts, may have huge health benefits. Walking backwards will also work different muscles than walking forwards.^{[8]XResearch source}
If you have things to do, such as laundry, taking out the trash, or other chores, do them earlier rather than later. This will kickstart your metabolism.
You can still play video games or watch TV, but try to stand for at least half of the time you’re doing so. You can burn up to 750 more calories every week if you stand for 3 hours a day!^{[9]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Other Healthy Choices

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Getting plenty of sleep boosts your immune system, reduces your risk of inflammation, depression, and stress. Plenty of sleep also helps to keep down your weight. It also improves your daily mood, making sure you're taking care of your mental health as well.^{[10]XResearch source}
Spending time with friends reduces your stress level and could help you prevent inflammation and keep your blood pressure and heart rate down. Find time to hang out with a friend on weeknights, too, even if you’re exhausted from work or school. It’s healthy!^{[11]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
Take a break from your normal workday to watch a funny video of a cat or a puppy. You will have more energy and be happier in the long run!^{[12]XResearch source}
You get the “love hormone,” oxytocin, from just looking at your animal’s face. Spend some quality time with your pet and get a boost of happiness in return.^{[13]XResearch source}
Even if you go to get fast food, park at the far end of the parking lot so you have to walk. Walking will burn some more calories and help you exercise even a little bit.^{[14]XResearch source}
Instead of playing games that require sitting, like Xbox or PlayStation, try playing a more active game, like Wii Tennis or Dance Dance Revolution. You can also venture out of the house to play paintball or laser tag.

Expert Q&A

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Question
I am a girl who has a nice body but with belly fat and now I just started gaining weight. What can I do to stop it?
Claudia Carberry, RD, MS
Master's Degree, Nutrition, University of Tennessee Knoxville
Claudia Carberry is a Registered Dietitian specializing in kidney transplants and counseling patients for weight loss at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Claudia received her MS in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 2010.
Claudia Carberry, RD, MS
Master's Degree, Nutrition, University of Tennessee Knoxville
Expert Answer
Try the tips in this article. If you want to improve your health even further, try to get 150 minutes of exercise per week and eat a diet high in fruit and vegetables.
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Tips

Try to put aside healthy snacks instead of unhealthy ones. Choose some cherry tomatoes over potato chips, or trail mix over a candy bar.
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Eat only half of a hefty portion at a restaurant. Set aside the other half for your lunch the next day.
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Pack your lunch at school or work instead of buying it. It’s less expensive and usually healthier!
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