By Ian Lewis
Living sustainably can mean a lot of things. Some people prefer to go zero-waste, while others only like to buy eco-friendly products that don’t harm the environment. Even if you don’t fall under any of these categories, going eco-friendly can help you a lot. Losing weight is something we all tend to care about, so if you’re looking to get your beach body ready for summer, here are some eco-friendly ways to lose weight:
1. Eat fewer animal products
Recently, the vegan lifestyle has been getting more and more popular, since it’s more eco-friendly than the regular diet that consists of meat, eggs and dairy. In case you find veganism too extreme or difficult, you can always eat less food that contains animal ingredients. Eating meat leads to overproduction which also pollutes the environment. Eating meat and dairy food is responsible for a lot of greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and withdrawals of fresh water. Therefore, a vegan diet is probably the only efficient way that can help reduce the effects of global warming. Reducing your own impact can significantly help our planet. You don’t have to fully commit yourself to veganism, instead, try eating a plant-based diet since that’s also a significant way to change things for better.
2. Locally sourced food
If you cannot give up meat and eggs, you can always try eating locally sourced food. Buying from your local farmers can help their business and you can always be sure that the food is fresh and free of harmful chemicals. Eating locally produced meat and eggs is a safe way to consume much more quality food. Also, you will be able to lose weight as you’ll be eating food that is made ethically. But, before you buy anything, ask the farmer to tell you more about the process of production so you’ll be absolutely certain that everything safe to eat. In case you can’t find any local producers, try looking in specialised shops that sell organic and locally sourced food.
3. Make your meals
Preparing your own meals is a definite way to reduce the use of plastic and trash, so if you haven’t started doing it, there are many recipes that you can use. If you feel that food preparation takes a lot of time, remember that it’s also a very relaxing activity. Eating food that you’ve personally made is a great method to lose weight since you control the ingredients. Besides, you can always cook more, freeze it and reuse later. Just pay attention to expiration dates so you won’t have to throw it away. Try learning more about food waste management, and in case you’re not sure you’ll eat everything, always make less food, just to be sure that you’ll finish it.
4. Learn to exercise
Obviously, you know how to exercise, since it’s not something difficult, but the thing is you need to learn how to do it right. Eco-friendly exercise is possible, and the best way to do it is to only use your body. Running, hiking, yoga and Pilates are all excellent ways to get into shape while still living sustainably. What you wear during the exercise also matters, so eco-friendly workout gear by Rockay will help you improve your performance while being environmentally-conscious. Also, make sure you always have a reusable water bottle so you’ll reduce plastic waste. Working out at home is great for the environment, but if you really want to go to the gym, try to find one that is eco-responsible and uses solar energy and other green solutions.
5. Drive less
In case you can’t afford to work out regularly, at least try driving less in order to make your body move, which will also help you get rid of unwanted weight. Instead of driving, try biking to work or simply take a walk whenever you can. Every time you feel low, take a walk around your neighbourhood. Walking can help you clear your mind and get your body in good shape. Driving is evidently one of the biggest contributors to air pollution and global climate change, so it’s obvious why walking is a much better solution if you want to lose weight in an eco-friendly manner. Using public transport is a clean, efficient solution, and if you need a ride to the nearest bus/train station, you can always ride your bicycle. What’s even better, bikes are easy to transport and you can also take it on the train, just be careful and always be considerate of other passengers.
6. Consider getting a laparoscopic surgery
For those who continually struggle with excess weight, getting a bariatric surgery can be extremely helpful. But before you decide to undergo the procedure, makes sure to find a doctor who does laparoscopic operations as they’re less invasive and more beneficial for the environment. Additionally, laparoscopic procedures have much higher rates of weight loss success, and after the procedure. You’re expected to consume less food which will also contribute to the betterment of the environment.
To conclude, losing weight doesn’t have to be an arduous process, but if you want to do it in an eco-friendly way, try following these steps first, and gradually, you can start implementing other tips that you find. The key is to stay focused and pay some attention, you don’t need to be strict and feel bad if you happen to break some “rules”. Remember that keeping our planet safe isn’t solely up to you, but you should still do your part if you want to leave a sustainable lifestyle.
About the Author
Ian Lewis is a father, writer, and a fitness nut. He’s passionate about many forms of strength training and spent years lifting all kinds of heavy objects.
His favorite quote: There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind. You can find him on Twitter.
