|  | Diet Nutrition | Weight Loss

Sedentary Weight Loss

When most of us think of weight loss, we think of exercise. However, sedentary weight loss is possible through the proper diet. The best sedentary weight loss diets are low in saturated fats and high in protein. The most difficult sedentary weight loss diets are low-calorie diets and should only be used under the supervision of a physician. Instead of using a low calorie diet, try cutting a few hundred calories out of your diet each day.

  1. Avoid saturated fats

    • According to the American Heart Association, saturated fats should only be 7 percent of total daily calories. Saturated fat is a major cause of obesity and also contributes to high levels of cholesterol. To lose weight while sedentary, you should eliminate the majority of saturated fat from your diet.

    Don't starve yourself

    • Many people with a sedentary lifestyle make the mistake of eating very low calorie diets. According to The Diet Channel, low-calorie diets involve consuming 1,500 to 1,800 calories per day. Low-calorie diets are often unsuccessful because they lower the metabolism of the body. When you consume fewer calories, the body slows down to prevent rapid weight loss. Instead of a very low-calorie diet, try cutting only a few hundred calories from your diet every day and avoiding saturated fats.

    Snack frequently

    • Think of your metabolism as a fire and the food that you consume as the fuel for the fire. If you snack throughout the day, you will provide more fuel for that fire and help maintain a higher metabolism that results in faster weight loss. But only if you eat snacks that are low in saturated fats. Healthy low-fat snacks include fruits, vegetables, cereal and crackers.

    Exercise if possible

    • If you're capable of walking to work, do so. Exercise whenever possible during the day. Instead of parking close to a building park far away. These extra steps can go a long way toward weight loss. Taking the stairs instead of an elevator is another way to lose weight while sedentary.

    Avoid frequent sleeping

    • According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleeping often results in significantly lower metabolism. If you are bedridden, avoid sleeping for hours at a time. Your metabolism will be much higher if you keep your mind active. Sleeping might feel good, but it will make it more difficult for you to lose weight.

Weight Loss - Related Articles