Start small and slow:
Avoid jumping straight to counting calories and hitting the gym seven days a week. Instead, take small steps to create a healthier you.
Rally the troops
There is strength in numbers. Gather co-workers, friends, or family to join you for workouts – it will give you the added incentive to hit the weights without sacrificing your social life. For an added bonus for your waist (and wallet), look out for group gym membership rates or discounts.
Smaller plates, smaller portions
You’ve heard the trick to shedding those lbs. are smaller portions. To give you a little push in the right direction, stock your cabinets with this small plate set. You’ll be less inclined to pile on food (and pounds).
Drink up
Substitute your morning cup of Joe with a tall glass of H2O or decaf tea. Hydrating throughout the day will give you energy, kick up your metabolism, and help you lose weight. Still, need more motivation? Water will prevent your mid-afternoon work headaches and leave you with replenished, dewy skin.
Say goodbye to booze
While most people watch what they eat in an effort to keep healthy, many overlook their liquid intake. You’ve heard that sugary sodas are diet don’ts, but the biggest culprit is alcohol. Limit yourself to one glass of wine during dinner, and a beer or two one night a weekend.
Be a cheater
You might call us crazy for this one, but trust us—a preplanned cheat meal will help you keep your eye on the prize. We’re not suggesting you go crazy and gobble down 12 chocolate bars, but one treat a week will keep you from going sweet stir-crazy.
Work for it
Small changes during the workday can have a huge impact on your health over time. Save calories and money by packing a lunch with you during the week. If you don’t have the time or kitchen skills, find a spot away from the office and take a brisk walk to pick up lunch.
Eliminate temptation
Sometimes, willpower is just not enough. Bottom line: don’t bring foods into the house that will make you forget all of your hard work!
Shake things up
Part of the reason we dread the gym is the same, boring fitness routines. Inject a new workout into your weekly routine – try a yoga session (don’t forget your yoga mat), bust a move at a salsa lesson, or enjoy a bike ride al fresco.
You are how you eat
Healthy eating doesn’t just call for what you eat; it’s also about how you eat. Studies show people tend to eat more when they’re in front of screens – from phones and iPads to the TV and the big screen. Keep this in mind before you bring a bag of chips or large popcorn to your next screen session. Take the time to enjoy your food, be mindful of what you’re eating, chew slowly, and listen to your body. All of these tips can help you create a healthier you.