How to lose that unwanted flab? Would I ever get rid of that cellulite? What magic potion in the world could help me get that desired figure? Well, if these questions haunt you every now and then, then you’ve got to get serious and start working on your body & its metabolism. However, the jet-speed lifestyle and work related pressures are enough to leave you exhausted at the end of the day, thinking that there’s absolutely no way you could help yourself lose your weight.

Hey buddies, don’t get disappointed so soon. As you know, where there is a will there is a way, and it holds true for losing weight too. Here are a few simple tips that would help get a fit body and a sound metabolism for you, without having to compromise with your office work.

1) Be sporty:

Try to play outdoor games with children on weekend holidays. This is not only a good exercise for every part of your body but it also allows the flow of fresh natural air into the respiratory system, thus increasing your metabolic rate. Playing games like football, cricket, swimming, hiking etc. along with friends is a good way to relax & unwind for those who dislike going to the gym and working out with machines.

2) Walk a few steps after a meal:

Our beloved Prophet SAW used to walk at least fifty steps after having his meal, quoting that it helped in better digestion of the food. Why not make it a habit to follow this Sunnah every day! Better digestion of food would ultimately help in proper synthesis of fats and provide our body with the much-needed energy. Settling down right after lunch / dinner decreases the flow of blood to the stomach, which leads to accumulation of fats, finally resulting in obesity.

3) Eating early:

Cultivating the habit of eating early at night is quite difficult for most of us, owing to our unhealthy lifestyles. Having dinner three hours prior to sleeping gives our body sufficient time to digest the food properly, thus helping us to lose weight effectively. Besides, it is also a Sunnah of our Prophet SAW to have dinner early, preferably following the isha salaat.

4) Eat right:

It is very important to make sure you eat the right kind of food that is conducive to your health. Your diet should consist of fresh fruits, veggies & fish as well. Go in for lean meat (i.e. chicken, fish, prawns, etc.) instead of heavier foods (like red meat). Use minimal oil for cooking & it is better to avoid eating cheese & butter. Also try to eat small portions of food within little intervals. This helps in proper metabolism and considerable reduction of fat in the body. You could also add a dash of spices to your recipes, since spices are great in boosting the rate of metabolic activity.

5) Use steps instead of elevators:

Our body finds little movement and workout owing to our sedentary lifestyle. Trying to climb the stairs whenever possible is a quick fix to this problem. Shun all the elevators & escalators and make friendship with the staircase, provided you don’t suffer from any sort of severe orthopaedic disorder. Believe it or not, this simple little change in your routine would count large for burning extra calories and making you fitter & better than before.

6) Adopt some new habits:

The same kind of boring and repetitive lifestyle could also be possibly taking a toll on your health by curbing your metabolic rate. Try to make some changes in your daily work-plan. Indulge in your favourite hobby during leisure time and adopt some new habits like going for a walk in the garden, reading a good book, meeting up at a friend’s place or just anything you like. Remembrance of Allah SWT and reciting the Quran are virtuous habits that you could easily establish for yourself. These habits would definitely improve your spiritual, mental as well as physical well-being in miraculous ways. Just try it out and you’ll feel the immense benefits for yourself.

On a final note, remember that it is an ibadah to take care of your health and body, as it is a blessing granted from Allah SWT. While losing weight ONLY to look good is not exactly a bad intention, tweak it a little bit to gain Allah’s Pleasure by doing it to have good health to better engage in worship to Him. Following these easy tips would hopefully ensure you a healthy life, inshaAllah.