I’ve always gone through ebbs and flows with my body—and I’m sure that’s true for most humans (men included). I’ve tried every crash diet and trendy workout craze only to come to the same conclusion every time: It’s not for me. When it came down to it, I hated working out, and I loathed restricting myself even more. I love food. I began to accept that my penchant for takeout is a huge part of me—and, subsequently, my happiness. I wasn’t willing to give that up just to shed a couple of pounds. Though, many times, my “this is me” attitude allowed for unhealthy lifestyle choices. I knew I had to make a change, but I refused to let said change ruin my life.

It seems serendipitous, but the more I allowed my brain to give up its lifelong quest for the perfect body—as if there’s even such a thing—the more I started noticing inches gone from my waistline. Why? Because rather than spend two hellish weeks on whatever regimen I had read about that month, I began making very small adjustments. Such changes never interfere with afternoons spent on the couch and Chinese food delivery orders (perhaps my two favorite things).

And they work: I lost a significant amount of weight in three months. I didn’t even realize it was happening until one day, my favorite jeans didn't fit. (Don’t worry, I’ve since had them tailored. We're good.) Below, find the secrets to losing weight without giving up… anything.

Walk Everywhere

It’s certainly easier in New York than many other places, but there’s no doubt that you walk less than you could. A long stroll feels meditative—like a much-needed conversation with yourself. Listen to your favorite playlist, call your mother, and get where you need to go (albeit slightly slower) while burning calories. Blocks go by in just minutes, and you’ve blithely worked off lunch by the time you get home. You’ll have more time to think and less time to clock at the gym (if you’re into that sort of thing). Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and stock BodyGlide Foot Anti Blister Balm ($8) in your bag, just in case.

Change Just One Meal a Day

Like I said, I can eat. And rather than abolishing all the foods I love, I alter just one of my daily meals to a healthier option. Usually, it’s lunch only because the thought of burrito remnants in my keyboard makes me feel sad. But do whatever works for you! It’s mostly mental in that if you’re always allowed to eat your favorite dishes, you’ll never feel like you have to binge on them. Never binging equals less eating and an overall healthier relationship with food. So much so that sometimes I even choose to go green and leafy for both lunch and dinner—I’ve started to crave it.