10 Painless Ways to Lose Weight

Pain-free weight loss? Since many of us see losing weight as an endless effort to cram in workouts while doing without our favorite foods, it may seem as if there's nothing painless about it.

The truth is that, while eating healthier and slipping in exercise takes some work, it doesn't require heroic effort. Making just a few simple lifestyle changes can pack a big weight loss punch.

WebMD spoke to weight loss experts and ordinary people who have figured out relatively painless ways to lose weight or keep it off. Here are their top 10 tips on how to lose weight without trying too hard.

1. Lighten the Foods You Already Love

One of the easiest ways to cut back without feeling denied is to switch to lower-calorie versions of the foods you crave. A pizza tastes just as good with reduced-fat cheese. And when you garnish low-fat crackers or low-fat ice cream with your favorite toppers, who notices the missing calories?

The key is to look for lighter versions of any product that contains fat or sugar, says the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic's "Recipe Doctor" Elaine Magee, MPH, RD, author of Fry Light, Fry Right! She recommends shopping for light sour cream, mayonnaise, and salad dressings; less-sugar preserves; and unsweetened frozen fruit.

And lighten up by switching to diet soda or light beer, or by adding a spritz of seltzer to your wine. Hate low-cal drinks? Try mixing your favorite beverages with a splash of a low-cal option, then increase the ratio as your taste buds adjust.

2. Share and Share Alike

With the massive meals served at so many American restaurants, it's easy to go Dutch -- with the dinner plate.

"When we go out, I often share a meal with my wife," says David Anthony, an information technology consultant from Atlanta. "We've been known to split a dessert, even a pint of beer."

You can share more than just a meal out. Why not double up on a bicycle built for two? Go halves on the cost of a personal trainer? Maybe split a gym membership?

"When people come in together they're more apt to encourage one another," says Lorinda Naegle, manager of a Curves gym in Oregon, which, like many fitness centers, offers 2-for-1 membership specials.

Half the cost, twice the motivation -- a steal of a deal.

3. Forget About Working Out

If the word "exercise" inspires you to creative avoidance, then avoid it. The trick to enjoying a workout is to "never call it working out," says Atlanta information technology consultant Brian LaRose.

For example, "Most folks enjoy sex without the idea that it may be a good calorie burner," says LaRose, and yet, among other things, sex can be a great workout.

So burn calories, invigorate your muscles, and lose weight by beachcombing, shooting hoops, riding bikes, grass-skiing, snow-shoeing, hiking, playing Frisbee, or even enjoying sex. After all, a rose by any other name ...