It’s the end of the year and time when people start thinking about their New Year’s resolutions. Invariably this boils down to family, health and finances. This post talks about health and the #1 thing most Americans want to do is lose some weight. Some more than others, but lose weight nonetheless.
I think the best way to organize this article is to tell you my three lifestyle changes first, and then explain them one at a time. Here they are:
- Reduce (try to eliminate) all sugary drinks.
- Time-restricted eating.
- Daily walking.
That’s it. It simple and sustainable. The only thing that is difficult, if you want to think of it as difficult is to actually do it. If you decide you want to do this, my suggestion is to think about this as a lifestyle change and not as a diet. This is not a binary test. You didn’t simply pass or fail. It’s a lifestyle and each of these ideas should be thought of as a spectrum. If in your mind you want to walk 30 minutes every day, but you only waked 15 minutes one day, or missed a day, just quickly forgive yourself and use it as a reminder that this is a lifestyle not a requirement. It’s something you want and like to do, not have to do. Simply pick up where you left off and keep going.
If you can keep these three ideas as the rule, not the exception then you will be healthier.
Also, by adopting this as a lifestyle, you can move your time horizon out significantly. You don’t have to think about achieving your goal next week or next month. You can think about a year, 2 years, 3 years or 5 years. Lifestyle has a much more powerful and lasting connotation than diet which is generally related to and thought about as a temporary fad.
I could go on to say consult your doctor before making any dietary changes, or beginning an exercise routine, but if your doctor disagrees with any of these changes then get a new doctor. Let’s get to it.
Continue reading 3 Lifestyle Changes: Simple and sustainable way to reach your goal weight.