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The answer to the nation’s obesity epidemic may be easier to solve than the experts think. The best way to lose weight? First, take in fewer calories, and then get moving. Once you’ve tackled your calorie intake, you’re going to want to spend as little time as possible staying still. Walk rather than driving, stop using the remote to change the TV channel, and start paying attention to your home décor.

Don’t make watching TV too comfortable

The more comfortable the room your TV is in, the more time you’ll spend watching it. Forget having a sophisticated home theatre system with the comfiest chairs you can find. Rather put the telly in a room that’s seldom used like the basement or attic. You’ll end up watching less TV, which could very likely see you moving more.

Unplug the box

If you must keep your TV in your sitting room, unplug it and put it away. Store it in a cabinet or cover it with some fabric. This way, you’re less likely to watch TV. Plus, you’ll have to get it out and plug it in, which will burn more calories than just sitting down and watching it would.

Keep food in the kitchen

If you have snacks all over the house within easy reach, you are going to eat them. Rather keep food in the kitchen so you have to get up and prepare it before eating it. If you must snack, snack on healthy low-calorie food like fruit and vegetables. Replace bowls of sweets with bunches of flowers, and decorate the kitchen with a fruit bowl in a prominent spot.

Make space for exercise

One more good reason to declutter your home (and there are many) is to make room for exercising. If you live in a small space, have only essential furniture. You can fit a yoga mat where a coffee table would have been, or put your coffee table on wheels so it’s easy to move out of the way. Many larger homes have a spare room that ends up filled with items that are seldom – if ever – used. If you have a spare room, clear it out and put in some gym equipment.

Tags: clutter, exercise, Home Decorating, weight loss