Relationship, Health and Money

For years I have been searching for the ideal weight loss tips.  Something that would suit my laziness and my lifestyle.  Yes, I am lazy to a fault and detest exercise.  Well, perhaps not so much anymore, but we’ll get to that.  As I have struggled more in recent years, I decided to devote some of my space here and time to really helping you find the ideal weight loss tips that will help you reach your healthiest self.  The result is this.  My tips for lazy people like myself.

Ultimate Ideal Weight Loss Solutions For Lazy People

This post contains affiliate links. 

I am going to break this down into areas that are of interest when you are lazy and looking to lose weight.  Most of the focus is going to be on basic health and exercise tips.  My goal is to help others like me that are inherently lazy find ideal weight loss tips to really focus on getting healthy.  I don’t care what the scale or the size of my pants says, I do care about how healthy I am.  So, join me in being lazy, while also getting out there to get healthy.  Yes, it can happen.

Where to begin for ideal weight loss:

It all begins with the basics.  You have to set goals for yourself and know that ideal weight loss isn’t going to be easy, but it can be doable – even for the lazy people like myself.  I am still on the journey, but I can see changes every day. So, in the past, I have shared tips that I feel are ideal for when you start out.

Setting Realistic Weight Loss Goals:  This post is all about starting with healthy goals.  Also, making sure that you are being realistic.  We have all looked at the scale or in the mirror and wanted to drop 20 pounds overnight.  The truth is, that isn’t a healthy way to go at weight loss, so this post reminds you of all the other goals you can set to make this a healthy journey.

7 Easy Diet Changes That Promote Weight Loss:  Let’s just call this the baby steps post, shall we?  It is all about those things you can change that don’t make you drop tons of weight but are healthier options.  If you need to lose 5-10 pounds, making these changes can make that happen.  If your goal is larger, this is an easy way to jump start changing your mindset about weight loss and a healthy life.

Things That Hinder Weight Loss:  I think this is one thing that should be focused on right away.  It’s so easy to get frustrated when you don’t lose weight easily or right away.  There are a handful of things in life that really can make a huge difference in how easily you lose.  Check these out before you begin.

How Your Job Affects Your Health:  Let’s face it, work can really hurt.  You need to really understand how your job can make you struggle in your health journey.  Ideal weight loss comes when you understand all of the obstacles in your way.  For me, it’s being in a sedentary job that also takes up the majority of my daytime hours.

More tips that can help you get started on the right track: 

• Start slowly so you don’t overwhelm yourself or get burnt out easily.
• Find a partner to do this with you so you have daily encouragement.
• Start a food and exercise journal and track not just your activity and eating habits, but your moods.  This helps you recognize triggers.
• Invest in a fitness tracker like the Fitbit or similar to watch your steps and activity level.  Small increases will show and give you encouragement.
• Join a local support group or online group for accountability.  Weight Watchers is my favorite, but you might like something like Spark People or just a Facebook group with friends.

Overcoming exercise obstacles in ideal weight loss:

I don’t know your story, but you might as well know mine.  I have always been a bit overweight, but have had my times where obese was the better term.  In years past, I was able to bust my booty and lose easily.  Then, a second child, Essure birth control (big mistake), and a severe back problem appeared.  Suddenly losing weight wasn’t just hard, but nearly impossible.  When the pain got really bad, it was even harder to get up and do anything active.  So, I had back surgery and that problem was solved, but shortly thereafter, I also had a hysterectomy.  That led to insane amounts of hormone related weight gain.  So, when it comes to struggling with exercise and frustrating weight gain, I know all about it.

How To Exercise For Beginners:  I admit, I hadn’t really even considered the notion of exercise until I was an adult.  So, understanding the basics was totally new to me.  This is a good place to begin if you are lost when it comes to exercise.

How To Exercise When You Have Chronic Pain:  As mentioned above, I have had my share of chronic pain issues.  So, finding ways to exercise without making the pain worse became important.  If this is part of your reluctance when it comes to exercise, these tips will help.  I also have some tips for Aerobic Exercises For Chronic Pain that can be useful if you are struggling.

Reasons Core Strength Is Important For Weight Loss:  I learned the hard way that having a strong core is vital to your health.  It’s also vital to ultimate healthy weight loss.  Don’t miss this post – it explains and helps tons.

Plus Size Workout Routines:  I am a big girl.  Just because I am big, doesn’t mean I don’t want to be healthier.  Once I overcame my pain issues, exercise became something that even I, as a lazy person, knew I needed to do.  These workouts, along with our Plus Size Fitness Training Plan are all easy to do, and they totally appeal to my lazy personality.  Trust me, they are great for larger people, and lazy people.  Oh, and by the way, being large doesn’t always mean lazy.

How To Strength Train Without Gaining Bulk:  I have seen it, read it, and rolled my eyes at it.  Just because you strength train, or lift weights, doesn’t mean you are going to be big and bulky.  There are many men and women out there that lift weights and do focused strength training for the purpose of building larger muscles.  Their form of training is different than the average person.  Check out this post to understand why and how this works.

How To Get Fit Playing With Kids: At the end of the day, I want my healthy habits to teach my son that good health isn’t so hard to manage.  This post is all about those natural ways we can play with our kids to get healthy while setting a good example for them.  That’s a win-win in my book.

More tips for getting past exercise hurdles: 

• Include movement in everyday things like walking to the mailbox, sitting at your desk, or cleaning your home.  A few extra steps and make a big difference over time.
• Invest in an under desk cycle, a walking desk, or a treadmill so you are encouraged to move at home doing your everyday tasks.
• Sign up for a local co-ed sports team for fun. Kickball is great exercise and never taken seriously, so even if you aren’t athletic, you can get fit and have fun.

Overcoming food and diet obstacles:

I am really bad at emotional eating.  So, having some great ideas for snacks, healthy options, or tips to overcome help a lot.  I love these posts for the reminders to stick with the journey and the great options out there that can help you stay healthy even when it is seriously hard to manage.

45 Snacks Under 100 Calories:  I just need easy to calculate snacks sometimes.  While these don’t have the Weight Watchers points calculated, knowing they are 100 calories or less really helps me to feel comfortable including 1-2 a day if I am struggling with being hangry (yes HANGRY), and need something to curb the hunger.  If you want the points, SuperPoints are easy to calculate when you use the Weight Watchers Calculator.

50+Weight Watchers SmartPoints Snacks:  Bookmark this.  You’ll thank me later.  Tons of snack options with points calculated so you can easily use my favorite diet program to stay on track.

Food Substitutes That Save Calories:  I love this list because it reminds me of all the things that I can eat that aren’t as bad for me, but that taste delicious.  Sometimes, when you are struggling to satisfy a craving without going outside your calorie range, this list is the best place to look.

Food Hacks That Save Money While Staying Healthy:  Finances are often the main reason people say they can’t get healthy.  I get it.  Truly, I do.  We’ve had more than our fair share of ramen noodle diet weeks due to strained finances.  Even with tips like these, sometimes it is still hard to manage.  That said, take a look and see if these will help you make it work.  We also have a great post that goes along with this about how to afford to eat healthy.

6 Ways To Eat Healthy On The Go:  My Sister, who happens to be a certified nutritional therapist, shared this post with us.  She also travels a lot which means she really knows what she is talking about.  These tips do make it easier to manage.

6 Tips For Getting Past A Weight Loss Plateau:  We’ve all hit that plateau.  It is frustrating and annoying.  Jess has some good tips for helping you bust the plateau and start the scale moving downward again.  She has done amazingly since her daughter was born, but she, like all of us, has had a few obstacles to overcome.  Her tips totally rock.

How To Safely Lose Weight While Breastfeeding:  Another great post from Jess.  She has been breastfeeding off and on for a few years now, so she totally knows what to do when it comes to losing weight.  Ideal weight loss includes your normal everyday activities.  Breastfeeding is a big part of life for many moms, so this post is a must read if you are or are planning to breastfeed your babies.

Tips To Lose Baby Weight Easily:  Jess shares her personal journey about how hard it can be to lose that baby weight.  She gives some great pointers for juggling being a new mom while trying to maintain healthy habits in this post.  Definitely, a great place to begin after you have a baby.

5 Ways To Fight Food Cravings On Your Health Journey:  Have I mentioned that I am totally an emotional eater?  I am.  Way too often.  All emotions can make me turn to food.  So, this post is all about helping to get rid of the food cravings, or in my case, find ways to overcome them.

More tips for the food struggles of your journey: 

• Meal plan. Meal plan. Meal plan.
• Don’t limit any category of food, but eat in moderation.
• Find alternatives that satisfy without the calories.  I love Happy Farms cream cheese dip from Aldi – 80 calories for a 2 tablespoon. I can use this, with a few crackers, and have a 200 calorie snack that is delicious and satisfying.
• Prep snacks in advance.  I clean, wash, chop, and prep fruits and vegetables when I get home from the store to make it easy to grab as I want/need throughout the week.
• Start over fresh when you make a mistake.  Don’t let one bad day or bad week get you down. Just get up and try again.

So, if you are like me and admit to being pretty lazy, this is a good place to start.  Ideal weight loss isn’t about reaching a specific number on your scale.  It isn’t about fitting into a perfect little black dress.  It’s about getting healthy.  Yes, larger people tend to be less healthy than smaller people, but that isn’t always the case.  I won’t make excuses for my size, but I will stand behind others and say – “Just because I’m fat doesn’t mean I am not trying to be healthy”.  Join me to learn ideal weight loss tips to help get motivated, overcome obstacles, and get healthy the right way.

This week I am a bit late getting the Podcast up for you.  Sometimes – life happens.  That was the case this time when a friend needed some help, then my family asked for me to take a day off and focus on them.  The great thing is – as a work at home mom and entrepreneur, I can easily do that and simply shift things around a bit for another day. If you want the same freedom in your life, then our Podcasts are here to help.  Today we are discussing Making Money In Direct Sales.  Many of you have told me you don’t want a big up front investment, but you also don’t want to sell something.  While that is understandable, there is a lot to be said about direct sales and the benefits of another person/company handling your inventory for you. So, for the sake of not leaving something out – we have created a podcast around how you can make money in sales, as well as given some personal experiences too.

Note:  There is some static in the first few seconds of the podcast -just ignore it does go away quickly 🙂 Sorry!  Technical difficulties!

Choose Something You Love

• Don’t choose a product you don’t like just because of commission
• Choose things you can fully stand behind and promote without guilt
• Research the product and company thoroughly before making the decision

Market It Professionally

• Use your sphere of influence within reason
• Don’t overwhelm or guilt your friends and family
• Create business social media, website and email
• Invest in car signs, business cards and professional labels

Invest Time & Money To Reach Goals

• Don’t make it a hobby – make it a business
• Have office hours to research, do outreach and pursue new clients
• Invest time for upgraded items, samples and quality advertising

Don’t Be Afraid To Do Something Different

• Don’t give up if you don’t succeed immediately
• Try new or different advertising methods
• Ask others who have success for help and advice

Direct Sales Programs To Consider:

Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Home Interiors, Pink Zebra, Premier Jewelry, Younique, It Works, Avon, Mary Kay, Visalus, Plexus Slim, Jamberry Nails, Party Lite Candles, Pure Romance, Papparazzi Jewelry,

Making money in direct sales is still one of the most popular ways to work from home.  You can easily look at you friends on social media and find 1 in 10 who is promoting some kind of direct sales business.  Success rates will vary depending on multiple factors.  Reality is – while it isn’t your favorite way to make money, it is a true legitimate work from home business.

Don’t cross this off your list just yet.  Consider all of the companies out there and think about what they offer you and your potential clients.  Look at investment, training, what is included and do your research.  Direct Sales can be an excellent way to make money working from home.

If you are looking for ways to make fast money, here are what I think are the 7 Best Items To Sell On Craigslist.  This online classified site has become one of the most popular ways to make a bit of extra money, or in turn, find a cheap piece of furniture or even a home to rent.  This year, as I have promised to give you some ways to make extra money for your household budget, this is just one of the ways we add to our budget each month.  Selling items you no longer need or use is an excellent resource for stretching your budget.

7 Best Items To Sell On Craigslist To Make Fast Money

Electronics.  Old television sets, computers, tablets, smart phones, stereo systems, car stereos and surround sound systems can all go for great prices on Craigslist.  Newer models and good quality will sell best, but you would be surprised at the number of older units you can sell for $25-$50 despite their age.  Check the most recent prices on sites like eBay for a good idea of what they are currently selling for used.  However, since these items go for higher prices it is definitely something you want to make sure you are meeting the buyer in a public place for exchanges.  Only accept cash in exchange for items, and never take payments on an item they want to take up front.  Basically, use common sense when selling or buying electronics.  This is one of the best ways to make money fast on Craigslist

Furniture.  Hands down some of the best items to sell on Craigslist to make money are furniture items.  From beds to old end tables you can rack up some good money on Craigslist with furniture.  Large pieces like couches, recliners, beds and dining tables bring in the most.  Of course, the better quality the more you can make, but even those old end tables can bring in $10-$25 each which can buy groceries, put gas in the car or even pay a small household bill.  Take good clear pictures and post details about the condition that include stains, tears, etc. so nobody feels it is misrepresented.  Again, always have people pick up in a public location away from your home if at all possible.

Maternity Clothing.  This is one huge high seller on Craigslist to make fast money.  Maternity clothing is often much more expensive than other clothing pieces, and with such a limited wear time it can be hard for some to afford at full price.  Selling your gently used items at a nice discount can really bring in a lot of cash fast, and give someone else a great deal in the process.

Baby Clothing & Equipment.  Baby clothing much like maternity clothing sells fast on Craigslist.  Even at yard sale prices, it is a fast and easy way to make some money and clear out clutter.  Baby equipment like bassinets, cribs, strollers and high chairs can also sell fast for a great price, but you will want to make sure that all parts are included, and if possible the manual so the buyer has as much information as possible.  If an item has been recalled just don’t sell it. There is no reason to take chances.

Appliances.  If you have old appliances that are still in working condition but no longer needed, this is a great way to make fast cash.  This goes from large appliances to small kitchen appliances.  Refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwaves, stand mixers and more sell fast and easily on Craigslist.  Some broken appliances will even sell for a lower price to appliance repairmen to use parts.  Even if it no longer works, list it with a lower price and make sure to list all problems or known problems.  You’d be surprised at how many people will pay $50 for a refrigerator that doesn’t stay cool any longer.

DVD’s & Video Games.  This is mostly for Blu-Ray’s and popular video games, but you can easily unload a large selection of movies at a low price in a hurry.  Another tidbit to consider, check your local pawn shops before you choose Craigslist on these items.  Many will give you $2-$5 each for Blu-Ray’s and Video Games.

Building Supplies.  If you have leftover lumber, sinks, plumbing supplies or other building supplies don’t hesitate to list them on Craigslist, right alongside the tools you have and no longer need.  Many people will buy scrap lumber and building or remodeling supplies and tools at a lower price direct from you to save a few bucks on their next project.  You may even be able to sell old pallets for $1-$5 each to those who are interested in doing some upcycle projects with them.

If you are looking for some fast cash to help pay a bill, buy groceries or put gas in the car you can easily turn to Craigslist to get rid of clutter from your home.  This list of best items to sell on Craigslist to make fast money is a great place to begin in your journey to creating savings!

Check out some other budget tips! 

Budgeting Tips For Stay At Home Moms

5 Foods That Stretch Your Grocery Budget Farther

6 Steps To Becoming Debt Free On Any Income

Great Places To Find Free Furniture

I’ve been pretty open about my weight issues, and these Plus Size Workout Routines are going to be part of that.  It’s so hard for me to stay motivated.  Honestly, I just love food so much I hate not eating the things I love.  On top of that, working from home makes it so much harder. Many think that working from home would give me more freedom, but it doesn’t really work that way.  When you work from home, you often make less than you would in an office environment.  That means you end up having to work longer hours to maintain the income you need. So, it’s a catch 22 of not having enough time to get everything done, and work out at the same time. These routines help me a lot to actually work my body like I need to do.

Plus Size Workout Routines

Walking Routine: To have a great walking routine, you want to first begin with some stretching and a good comfortable pair of shoes.  Tennis shoes with a good fit and comfy cushioned socks are a must no matter what fitness level you are at.  You need support if you are carrying extra weight, and you want to avoid blisters if at all possible.  Band Aids or blister guards for toes and heels are a wise investment when you begin.

• Begin by walking at no incline for 10-15 minutes at a slow steady pace.
• If this isn’t making you winded or feel like you have done much, then increase your pace.
• As this becomes easier, add more time, or a rolling hill option on a treadmill.
• Increase time spent as you are physically able to do so.
• Cool down for 5-7 minutes by going back to no incline and a slower pace.

If you don’t have a ton of time to walk, then do it in 10-15 increments instead of longer time periods.  The goal is to burn calories and build endurance.  When your walking routine becomes easy your body is no longer working as hard so you may need to increase and add longer time or more incline and higher pace to boost your metabolism.

Swimming Routine:  Water exercises are excellent for those of us who are overweight or plus size.  The water takes so much of the pain off of your joints, and makes it much easier to work out.  However, since you are working with less pain in the moment, you may find yourself pushing farther than you would normally and getting a harder workout. Water walking, swimming and aerobics are all excellent choices.

• Start with stretching your arms, shoulders, back and legs. Here is a guide to basic stretches to help you know how to do these safely.
• Water walk at a steady pace for 10-15 minutes
• Swim 5 laps
• Water walk at a steady pace for 10-15 minutes
• Swim 5 laps
• Do lunges, squats and calf lifts as desired and able

This routine takes approximately one hour in the pool.  That time helps you stretch and loosen muscles, burn calories and intermittently get your heart rate up.  Being able to really help our body safely and easily build endurance is important when you carry extra weight or have chronic pain like many of us do.  The water helps you be able to manage things your body might hurt too much to do outside the water.  If you are embarrassed to be in a bathing suit, I recommend checking out the options from Swimsuits For All.  They carry tons of styles, sizes and are made to support larger bodies.  They are the first suit I have ever had that actually fits my chest properly.

Strength Training Routine:  As a plus sized person, you are likely focused mostly on cardio to lose weight.  That is great, but you will need to gain muscle strength.  Not only will it help your overall endurance while exercising, but muscle will help you to burn fat more efficiently.  There are some basic things to do for your back, arms and core that can be done easily at home with minimal items needed.  This article on Health website shows some images of some basic strength training moves to begin with.  You can also look for videos on Youtube, or simply check out Shape magazine monthly for basic strength workout routines.

The idea behind these plus size workout routines is to adapt to your body.  It isn’t easy doing sit ups or even crunches when you have a large belly in the way.  It can be tough to lift if you have chronic pain.  I know. I’ve been there. I’m still dealing with it.  The goal is to do the best that you can.  As you continue exercising and moving your body, things will get easier.  You will lose fat and inches slowly, and that will result in the ability to do more on the list of exercises.

As you begin your plus size workout routine, don’t push yourself too hard.  Work diligently within your ability.  Continue to increase and improve gradually so you don’t overwhelm or injure your body.  As always, make sure to talk to your doctor first though – some exercises aren’t safe if you have specific medical conditions.  Being safe is the most important thing.

For more exercise and fitness help, check out our other popular articles!

How To Exercise When You Have Chronic Pain

Setting Realistic Weight Loss Goals

How To Strength Train Without Gaining Bulk

Aerobic Exercise For Chronic Pain

Plus Size Fitness Training Plan