Feeling Lazy? Your Guide to Easy Weight Loss

You work. You volunteer. Maybe you’re a parent. Perhaps you’re a caregiver. You cook, clean and do “life” every single day. Sometimes it can catch up with you, leaving you tired and wanting to relax. Don’t feel bad, it’s natural to get lazy. In fact, it’s part of our biology. However, when laziness gets in the way of your health goals it becomes a problem. We’ve created this guide to help you fight laziness, get more energy and support healthy weight loss.

Energy in the body is known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule created within our cell’s mitochondria says Harvard Health. According to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, mitochondria create over 90% of the energy used in the body to support life and organs. Harvard Health explains that ATP stores energy and carries it around to other cells in the body as needed. When we feel tired or lazy, it’s likely because we don’t have enough ATP. This is a problem that becomes more common as we age and can ultimately impact weight loss.

Weight loss can’t occur if we let laziness win. Luckily, Harvard Health reveals some easy ways to produce energy and combat feelings of tiredness. More energy leads to more weight loss!

Please note:  We always recommend speaking with your doctor if you’re overly tired and before making any diet or exercise changes.

If you’re feeling lazy, keep reading for your guide to easy weight loss (and energy)!:

Drink Up

If you want to feel less lazy, your body needs plenty of water to stay hydrated and create energy. Dehydration can trigger feelings of lethargy and fatigue says Harvard Health. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains that water needs are different from person to person. They recommend that you let your thirst guide you and to drink plenty of water if you are active, live or work in warm conditions or are an older adult.

Here at South Beach Diet, we recommend drinking half of your body weight in ounces of fluid each day to sustain energy and achieve weight loss success. However, water needs vary so speak to your doctor to ensure you are hydrating properly. We also count black coffee and unsweetened tea towards your daily water allotment, but keep in mind that too much caffeine can interfere with sleep (we’re getting there next). Make sure plain water is your main drink of choice.

Catch Up On Zzz’s

Here’s a no-brainer: If you didn’t sleep enough last night, you’ll be tired and lazy today. But what if you’re sleeping too much or going to bed at different hours every night? According to Harvard Health, inconsistent sleep can mess with your circadian rhythm, the bodies internal clock that regulates sleep. This can impact judgment and lead to insomnia or fatigue.

To keep your circadian rhythm on point, try to follow a consistent sleep schedule as recommended by Healthline. Strive to wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. Your body will adjust to it’s routine. A sleep journal and alarms in the morning or evening can encourage a healthy sleep schedule, leading to deep sleep and plenty of energy the next day.

Eat Wise & Often

A healthy meal plan is key to weight loss. The South Beach Diet meal plan is filled with  Proteins and Healthy Fats. According to Harvard Health, ATP production is helped by fatty acids and proteins in these types of foods. Use the South Beach Diet Grocery Guide for examples >

If you’re just starting out on the South Beach Diet,  portions may seem smaller than what you’re used to eating. However, Harvard Health explains that it’s better to eat smaller meals and snacks every few hours. This will help to fuel the brain and avoid insulin drops that occur with eating large meals. We wholeheartedly agree, which is why our diet is designed to include three meals and three snacks daily.

Get Moving

You knew this was coming, didn’t you? If you do all the steps above, you’ll be less lazy and have more energy to start exercising. Research shows that physical activity can lead to healthy weight loss and help you reach your goals. A study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, indicates that exercise can improve body composition and health. Another study, published in the journal, Obesity, found that exercise results in weight loss. When it comes to beating laziness, Harvard Health states that physical activity can increase energy by increasing muscles and neurotransmitters that promote energy and help you feel good after exercise.

The South Beach Diet recommends 30 minutes of daily exercise to support a healthy body and weight loss. This doesn’t have to mean going to the gym. Get moving by cutting the grass, walking the dog or going on a nature hike with your loved ones.