Make It A Lifestyle, Not A Diet

Going on a diet is not always the best way to improve your health. While strict diets may help you lose weight at first, following these restrictions forever is not usually sustainable. The best way to make positive and long-term changes to your health is to establish small and healthy habits as part of your daily routine. Habits are small actions you perform every day. Brushing your teeth is a daily habit that most of us perform without even thinking about it. If you are hoping to lose weight, improve your blood sugar numbers or lower your cholesterol levels, start building healthy habits into your day to achieve long-term success.

Healthy habit ideas

• Drink a glass of water when you wake up in the morning.
• Go for a short walk around your neighborhood after you eat dinner.
• Include a piece of fruit with your daily breakfast.
• Enjoy your meals at the kitchen table instead of the couch or living room.
• Eat at least two types of vegetables per day (and increase from there).
• Stand up and stretch during TV commercials.
• Use smaller plates to help with portion control.
• Eat a meal or snack before going to the grocery store.
• Replace one can of soda with one glass of water each day and build from there.
• Take your dog for a walk every day.