Around this time of year, most of the emails we receive share a central theme: Everyone is looking to lose weight, keep it off, and develop a healthier lifestyle. While this is not the easiest undertaking in the world, it’s completely doable and certainly worth the effort.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of plans available online that claim to hold the answer to lasting weight loss, but this 5-step action plan from a community health challenge in Minnesota is the simplest, most straightforward one I’ve encountered:
- Set a goal to lose 5 pounds. Losing as little as 5 to 10% of your body weight can improve your blood pressure,
cholesterol and blood sugar. Start with a small, manageable goal and celebrate an early win. - Be active 5 days a week. Physical activity plays a key role in losing, and especially maintaining, weight.
- Eat 5 times a day. Eating regularly can help you feel satisfied throughout the day. Start each day with breakfast; eat lunch, dinner and two healthy snacks.
- Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables each day. Up your intake by eating a fruit and/or vegetable at each meal and snack and you’ll be getting more of the nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and fiber your body needs.
- Take 5 minutes for yourself each day. Considering that up to 85% of health problems may be stress-related, this little step is a must-do for helping manage stress.
If you’d like a detailed guide on how to get started with realistic diet changes, check out this free “Heart-Healthy Cooking Made Easy” download on Eating Well’s website. I found it last year, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve referenced it. The guide starts with an overview of healthy eating & cooking and includes menu plans, yummy recipes, and specific instructions for setting up a healthy kitchen.
I realize that all of this makes me sound like a paid endorser, but I can assure you that I’m not affiliated with Eating Well at all. I just love to share awesome free stuff with readers whenever I run across something really great.
Note: You’ll have to register on the magazine’s website (for free) before they’ll let you download the guide, but it’s worth the extra step.
