Written by Jordyn King, BS Nutrition Science

Dieting and exercising are popular approaches to losing weight, but what if there were other solutions to burning calories without lifting a finger? Whenever I have a tough day at work I don’t always have the energy or time to work out, but I know  I need to. Well, I found the solution to melting those unwanted calories….. Hot Baths. Taking a bath at least 2 hours before bed can help you be relaxed and calm. Hot baths can actually be a therapeutic technique to lose weight in your spare time. 

The science behind it

An hour in the bathtub can burn more calories than a thirty minute walk: 100 calories. The passive high heat from the bath water burns the calories for you without even trying! We all know that calories are in the food we eat and are the amount of energy released when your body is able to metabolize that food. If you consume fewer calories than you burn, then the excess energy is no longer stored as fat, aka weight loss. 

Sitting in a bath for an hour can burn calories. This is achieved by your body trying to maintain the core temperature of the surrounding hot water. Raising your body temperature burns more calories which creates a small calorie deficit. Remember, you are burning calories which could lead to dehydration, so drink water regularly throughout the day! 

Other healthful tips in Bathing 

Other health benefits for running a hot soak can include lowering blood sugar levels, relaxing and relieving muscles, and soothing you mentally and physically. Adding Epsom salt to your bath could contribute to weight loss and a more relaxing bath. I add in ½ cup of eucalyptus Epsom salt for benefits of improved sleep, stress reduction and recovery after an intense workout. Epsom salt provides magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen to further detox the body. Epsom salt has been known to help in reducing inflammation in your joints caused by arthritis or other muscle conditions. Combining additional essential oils like coconut or oatmeal can aid in hydrating irritating dry skin. 

What about cold baths? 

Cold baths can also aid in burning calories; however, this is a shorter period of time you will need to be in the bath. In just 10 minutes, you can burn up to 133 calories at a time. 

Keep calm and bath on 

Sometimes we can lose our mindset in working out with more strenuous activities and staying on track to losing weight, so why not take up bathing as a substitute a couple nights a week! This weight loss technique is my favorite to add in daily without lifting a finger. Although, this weight loss technique is not ideal for long term weight loss and is not a substitute for traditional exercising. This can get rid of some unwanted daily calories and help you to rest up for the next days to come. Even after a hard intense workout, lounging in a hot or cold bath can help burn up those extra calories. If you are looking to get fit and stay healthy, then you may want to change up some of your daily dietary habits along with a night of relaxation in the bathtub.