When it comes to losing weight and living healthier, rather
than trying overhaul your unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle in a
single day, why not make your resolution one to get healthy in a way that's
less dramatic and far more successful this year? With small, measured steps.
Truth is, you don't need to make major, life shaking changes
all at once to succeed at weight loss. Nutrition experts point out that you're
far more likely to stick to a change if it's small and manageable. Here are five
easy changes that anyone can make (and stick with)... click here for more information.
1) Take small steps to healthier eating - add a piece of
fruit to your lunch, choose a day of the week as "no meat" day, or
package up your whole grain cereal as a mid morning, or afternoon snack. Focus
on choosing healthy alternatives whenever you get the chance.
2) Drink more water - resolve to drink a single cup more
water today than yesterday, or add a splash of your favorite beverage to water
and you'll be painlessly on your way to giving your body the fluid it so
desperately needs. You might even try drinking water at specific times of
day... first thing in the morning, with snacks or at lunch.
3) Look for color in your produce - all those rich golds,
reds and purples signal foods that are packed with good-for-you plant
compounds. You might try making one day of the week a particular color...
yellow Mondays, for example, and eat grapefruit, bananas or corn. Or you might
add good-for-you greens to pizza, or commit to trying a new to you fruit or veggie
each week.
4) Fight mindless munching - by popping a piece of gum or a
sugar-free mint in your mouth instead, brush and floss your teeth after you
eat, and try to pay attention to each piece of food you're putting in your
mouth as you watch TV or chat with friends. You can also keep your hands busy
with a glass of water, a cup of tea or just picking up after everyone else.
5) Reach out for help - team up with a friend or family
member who also has diet/weight loss resolutions and share ideas, fitness plans
and (of course) your successes as often as you can. Leave tempting treats at
the store and promise instead that you'll give in to one serving of a treat,
only when you're out, never at home. Avoid food centered events and look for
other activities you and friends/loved ones can enjoy - an outing in the park,
a hike in the woods or get together at a club for dancing - all places where
you'll tend to be more active and less likely to munch away at the same time.
