The No Diet, No Exercise Weight Loss Plan Step 3

Get Your Body Doing the Work for You While You Enjoy Doing What You Like

People who don't focus on diets and exercise to lose weight, but instead live a lifestyle that maintains their desired weight, tend to share some common habits. Think of it as a fit bank. The more habits they do the more their "fit" account adds up.

It's interesting to note that in New Zealand, the government encourages dog ownership to promote healthy exercise.

1. Everything in moderation

The philosophy of everything in moderation allows you to do everything you want without guilt or negative consequences.

2. Don't own a scale

You can gauge your weight by the fit of your clothes. A scale can become an albatross and create stress and feelings of guilt.

3. NEVER buy the next size up in clothes

Buying the next size up in clothes just about guarantees weight gain and so it is not an option. Instead, cut back on eating a bit and increase your metabolism for a couple of weeks to fit back into those same old favorites comfortably.

4. Stand rather than sit

Standing burns twice as many calories as sitting. So, the next time you ride the subway or go to a party you'll be 50% fitter if you stand than if you sit. Also, too much sitting can lead to diabetes and heart disease, according to Dr. David Alter of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.

5. Eat several small meals a day rather than 2 or 3 large meals

By eating several small meals a day your body keeps working and burning calories, and you stay fuller, which prevents you from overeating from cravings between large meals.

6. Balance what you eat

People who have a fit lifestyle balance out what they eat. If you splurge on a meal or snacks, then cut back later and eat lighter.

7. Walk or bike instead of driving or taking a taxi

Walking or biking places rather than driving increases your metabolism and burns calories and fat. It's also nice to be out in the fresh air. Try walking or biking the next time you plan to go somewhere.

8. Walk faster

Get in the habit of walking faster to increase your metabolism, burn calories and fat. It's also good for your heart. Walking slowly does not provide these benefits.

9. Have a hobby that keeps you physically active and your mind occupied on something other than food

Create a lifestyle that is fun and enjoyable and keeps you fit without having to diet and exercise. This might include a physical hobby you enjoy such as tennis, biking, sailing, fishing, running, walking, mountain biking, hiking, swimming, joining a softball team, working out, dog walking, gardening, golf, dancing, acting, yoga, surfing, etc.

10. Eat more organic and fresh foods

Shop at Whole Foods, Trader Joes, health food stores and your grocer's organic section. Organic foods have fewer fatty fillers and more nutritional benefits.

11. Eat less 4-legged meat

The American Heart Association reports "In general, red meats (beef, pork, lamb) have more cholesterol and saturated (bad) fat than chicken, fish and vegetable proteins such as beans. Cholesterol and saturated fat can raise your blood cholesterol and make heart disease worse."

12. Take the Stairs

View stairs you come across as a Stairmaster. Get your energy up, arms swinging and give a try at running up them without having to go to the gym. Try to live where you need to walk up and down stairs frequently.

**Note: check with your doctor if you have any dietary or health issues before you make any changes to your diet or or exercise plan.