Many of us make health-related resolutions, such as to lose weight, stop smoking or join the neighbourhood health club or gym. 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 fit into your daily routine,” says James O. Hill, Ph.D., Director of the Centre for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Centre. “They are less overwhelming than a big, sudden change.”
Here are they are:
- Keep an eye on your weight and work on making sure you are not gaining extra kilograms. Even if you gain just a kilo or two every year, the extra weight adds up quickly.
- Take more small steps. Use a pedometer or fit watch to count your daily steps; then add 2,000, the equivalent of one extra kilometre. 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.
- Switch three grain servings each day to whole grain. If you are like the average Australian, you eat less than one whole grain serving a day.
- 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.
- Reduce the number of meals that include meat poultry or fish and significantly increase the amount of vegetables in your daily diet.
- Downsize. The smaller the bag, bottle, or bowl, the less you will eat.
- Lose just 5 to 10 percent of your current weight. The health benefits are huge-lower blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.