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. Take small steps to improve your health and the health of your family.

“Small steps are achievable and are easier to fit 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.”

Nutrition and Food Science Activity Pack

Here's 10 Small Steps to Improve Your Health that You Can Start Today

Keep an eye on your weight

Work on making sure you are not gaining extra lbs. Even if you gain just a pound or two every year, the extra weight adds up quickly.

Take more small steps to Improve Your Health

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.

Eat breakfast

Breakfast eaters tend to weigh less and have better diets overall. For a filling and nutrition-packed breakfast, top Whole Grain Total® with fresh fruit slices and low-fat or fat-free milk.

Get More Whole Grains

Switch three grain servings each day to whole grain. If you're like the average American, you eat less than one whole grain serving a day.

10 small steps to improve your health woman with really big jeans and tape measure aroud her waist

Have at least one green salad every day.

Eating a salad (with low-fat or fat-free dressing) is filling and may help you eat less during the meal. It also counts toward your five daily cups of vegetables and fruits.

Trim the fat.

Fat has a lot of calories, and calories count. Purchase lean meats, eat poultry without the skin, switch to lower-fat cheeses, use a nonstick pan with only a dab of oil or butter.

Increase Your Daily Calcium

Consider calcium by including two or three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt. Dairy calcium is good for bones and may also help you lose weight.

Downsize Your Servings

The smaller the bag, bottle or bowl, the less you will eat. This will improve your health through portion control and help you lose weight.

10 easy steps small steps big changes on calendar

Lose just 5 to 10 percent of your current weight.

The health benefits are huge-lower blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Keep Track of Your Eating and Improve Your Health

Write down what you eat over the next couple of days and look for problem spots. Often, just writing things down can help you eat less.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x