Green living can go beyond using environmental-friendly cleaners and recycling cans – it can even be extended into your weight-loss plan. If you're already keeping a green household, why not carry those same habits into your exercise schedule? Going green while you work out is easier than you think. With just a few adjustments to your current plan, you can make sure you stay eco-friendly while you lose weight.

Bring Your Own Water Bottle

Drinking water before meals can help you lose weight by making you feel fuller, so you eat fewer calories. Studies have also shown that when you drink more water, your metabolism increases and this helps your body burn more calories. Disposable water bottles have been proven to harm the environment. Buying a new water bottle and throwing it away each time you work out adds to the over-filled landfills, with plastics that can't be naturally broken down. Invest in a BPA-free water bottle, and refill it each time you hit the gym.

Wear it on Your Sleeve

When you work out to lose weight, it is important that you are able to move comfortably and perform exercises correctly. Specialised work-out clothes also help your body manage heat and sweat, which can help you work out more effectively.

Next time you shop for work-out clothes, look for some that are eco-friendly. These manufacturers limit the amount of waste during production and use recycled materials.

Skip the Car

One key area to losing weight is to move more. Moving more will help you burn more calories than you eat, which is the proven way to lose weight.

Instead of driving to work consider replacing your exercise time by riding your bike. You can get your workout going earlier in the day and can avoid the busy gym. If you live close enough to the gym, try riding your bike or jogging there instead of driving. Riding a bike decreases the amount of air pollution you are contributing to the atmosphere and thus less harm to the environment.

Avoid the Treadmill

Walking and running are great ways to lose weight and gain other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, improving your mood, strengthening your heart and slowing the rate of bone loss.

Having an in-home treadmill means you don't have to drive to the gym, which reduces air pollution. However, work-out equipment uses a lot of energy. You can alternate between using your treadmill and running outside to avoid wasting energy.

Reduce Shower Time

Amazingly, we use about 50 gallons of water each time we take a 20-minute shower. Help cut back on the amount of water that is wasted every day by taking shorter showers. Another easy way to cut back on shower time is by working out in the morning before showering, then taking one shower for the day, rather than showering and then working out later in the day and showering for a second time.

By slightly adjusting the things you already do, you can help protect the environment while you reap the benefits of a healthy body. It's time to re-work your weight-loss plan to include eco-friendly practices!

About the Author

Richard is a freelance writer who produces content in various areas, including eco issues, weight loss surgery, dentistry and general wellbeing. Find him on Twitter at @thefreshhealth.