Keep It Simple! A to Z Weight-Loss Tips for Long-Term Success - Tip K

You have probably heard that a lifestyle change is critical for long-term weight loss success. I have even written that statement in previous blogs. However, this lifestyle change DOES NOT need to occur overnight! In fact, trying to change too many things in your life at one time can seem overwhelming and impossible. These negative feelings can destroy your motivation and determination, ultimately leading to the inevitable "fall off the wagon", sending you back into your old, unhealthy habits.

Solution: Keep it simple!  
Pick 3 behaviors you want to change and work on those until they become your new habits, then move on to 3 more things, and so on. Since we are talking about weight loss, these things should focus on either reducing your intake of high calorie foods or increasing physical activity.

For example:

Current behavior: daily caramel machiatto from Starbucks. New behavior: choose lower calorie options at Starbucks like tea or drip coffee and enjoy the machiatto only on Fridays.

Current behavior: no daily exercise at all. 

New behavior: power walk 30 minutes after lunch or dinner Mondays,  Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Current behavior: drinking soda every workday with lunch.

New behavior: switch to water and enjoy soda once a week instead.

Current behavior: eating high calorie desserts every night.

New Behavior: enjoy fruit or yogurt instead of ice cream or cookies on some of the nights.

Current behavior: snacking on candies and chocolate at desk
New Behavior: fill the candy jar with dried fruits instead.




We all have behaviors we can change to help us live more healthfully. Work on a few at a time; keep it simple!