You have a better chance of succeeding with diet and exercise if you keep your goals simple and plan how to achieve them. The National Institutes of Health recommends writing things down. For instance, if you want to step up your exercise regimen, make a schedule that includes how often you'll work out and how long each session will last.
Learning About Diet
The federal government and major medical institutions provide simple, easy-to-understand diet information. MayoClinic.com offers guidelines for the nutrients required for optimum health. Websites such as MyPyramid.gov go a step further. You can enter your age, gender, height and weight and get personalized diet information. Following the advice of trusted sources makes it easier to plan your meals.
Simple Eating Steps
Completely altering your diet requires some doing, but in the meantime you can take some simple steps to better eating. Drink a glass of water before a meal so you're not tempted to eat so much. Help yourself to small portions, or fill your plate with sensible choices such as more vegetables and less bread and potatoes. The National Institutes of Health recommends eating slowly and waiting 15 minutes before you go for seconds. It takes that long for your brain to realize you're full.
Fit in Exercise
It's simpler to stick to an exercise plan if you make it part of your daily routine. Pack your gym clothes the night before and put them next to the front door. That way, you automatically take them to work -- and you don't have an excuse to skip your workout. If a class or meeting runs late, and you can't formally exercise, stay active in another way. Try jumping rope at home, taking a few flights of stairs or getting your dog out for a brisk walk.
Buddy Up
You can exercise on your own, but it's easy to talk yourself out of it. A simple formula for getting to your workout is to have an exercise partner. You're more likely to show up if someone is expecting you at the gym, and you're more apt to take a hike if you can chat with a friend on the way. It's also smart to have a couple of diet confidants. MayoClinic.com recommends picking people who understand you and your concerns, listen well and provide encouragement.
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