7 Small Steps to Improve Your Health

Many of us make health-related resolutions, such as to lose weight, stop smoking or join the neighborhood health club. While it is common to set high goals, experts say that setting smaller goals could do more for our health.

"Small steps are achievable and are easier to integrate into your daily routine," says James O. Hill, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. "They are less overwhelming than a big, sudden change."

Here are 7 small steps to try:

1. Keep an eye on your weight and work on making sure you are not gaining extra lbs. Actually, if you have a body fat scale, then keep an eye on your body fat % rather than your actual pounds which may not show the true picture. Even if you gain just a pound or two every year (or a % of body fat), the extra adds up quickly.

2. Take steps. Use a pedometer to count your daily steps; then add 2,000, the equivalent of one extra mile. Keep adding steps, 1,000 to 2,000 each month or so, until you take 10,000 steps on most days.

3. Eat breakfast. Breakfast eaters tend to weigh less and have better diets overall. If you have a hectic lifestyle then consider making a super nutritious smoothie to start your day.

4. Have at least one green salad every day. Be careful about the salad dressing you purchase and if your’re at a restaurant then ask for oil/vinegar dressing on the side. This way you can be in control of how much you use. You can even add salad greens, veggies and fruits to your morning smoothie.

6. Eat the fat! Make sure it’s healthy fats though like nuts, seeds, avocado, coconut oil, and grass-fed butter.

7. Downsize. The smaller the bag, bottle or bowl, the less you will eat. It’s a mind game and it works.

8. Write it down. Keep a simple journal of everything you eat and drink over the next couple of days or weeks and look for problem spots. Often, just writing things down can help you eat less.

There you go! 7 small steps to improve your health. Are you already doing any of these? Which one will you work on this week. Please share with me, I would love to cheer you on!!

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