Many people assume that the only way to lose weight is to exercise. They think the only way to change is to hit the gym and work out every day, and then they usually say that they don’t have time for the gym, or to exercise in any way. It’s understandable. People are busy! But the best part about how I’ve lost weight is that I don’t have to exercise.

Don’t get me wrong, I definitely exercise, and I enjoy it. But I don’t have to if I don’t feel like it. Calorie counting is what I have found to be the best way to keep track of what my body needs. As long as I consume less calories than my body requires, I know that I will lose weight.

I used to exercise regularly 3 times a week at the gym, and I do have a reasonably active job, being on my feet and moving around my entire shift. Exercise is absolutely important for many reasons. Weights, resistance training, and cardio are all wonderful things that should absolutely be a big part of any weight loss routine, or just life in general. I love working out. I love feeling my heart rate rise and start sweating and knowing that I am improving my body and becoming a healthier version of myself.

In my first few weeks back home after being gone for 2 years, people keep commenting on how good I look, but usually quickly follow it up with questions like “how many hours do you spend in the gym?” or “what’s your exercise routine like?” Well the answer is a lot different than they all expect.

Most people really assume that weight loss is done strictly by exercise, but it definitely isn’t. I have found that the most important part of any weight loss routine is your food intake. As long as you burn more calories than you take in, you will lose weight and it is as simple as that.

Never feel like the gym is where you have to start! If you’ve read my previous posts, you’ll know that I did many things on my own before ever stepping foot in the gym, like walking, hiking mountains, and counting calories. You don’t ever have to go to the gym. You can do things on your own, or just focus on losing weight by changing your diet.

You can literally make the best change of your life while sitting on the couch every day, with very little effort at all.