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| What steps can you take today? |
- Reduce sugary beverages by one per day (non-diet sodas, lattes, cappuccinos, flavored waters, sweetened teas, etc)
- Increase your water intake by 8oz per day
- When you leave work for the day, take a 15 minute walk before you get in your car to leave for the day
- Make sure you eat something for breakfast (preferably something that has a healthy balance of proteins, carbs, and fats). Yes even if you are rushed in the mornings (we all are)!
- Swap out full-fat yogurts, cheeses, milk, etc for reduced fat varieties
- Reduce the number of meals you eat out each week by one
- Start packing your daily lunch
- Get enough rest/go to bed earlier
- Sign up for a race (walk/run/swim/bike), join a recreational sport league (softball, kickball, volleyball, tennis), or try a new fitness class (zumba, kickboxing, yoga)
Pick one or two and commit to them for a week, two weeks...for as long as it takes for you to feel as though you've mastered the step. You can turn any of these into some short term goals, for example: "I will reduce the number of times I eat out from 4 meals to 3 meals this week beginning 9/20/2010."
When you're comfortable, ome back and add another, or take the one you've accomplished one step further (reduce meals out by one more, add another 8oz of water each day, make your walk 20 minutes, etc). Remember that the "all or nothing" mindset, especially in today's crazy world, is not a realistic way to achieve change, and particularly so when we try to do it overnight. Do what you can and build slowly from there.
These small changes will add up to big results not only on the scale, but also in your energy level, your confidence, and your overall health!
