Balance:
How to Make Everything Work Together

Each part of a lifestyle change is unique and contributes to the overall goal of helping you become a healthier person.  Getting fit and feeling great is more than simply losing weight.  It includes planning meals that are nutritious and lower in calories, buying the right foods when you go grocery shopping, adding a healthy dose of physical activity to each day, and monitoring your weight on a weekly basis to know that you are in fact lowering your total calories through healthy snack and meal choices.

Getting Organized!

1. Buying food that fits your goals for weight loss and healthy eating is one of the first things youíll want to do.  When the right food is available, the goal of preparing good meals is easier.  No more ìwonderingî what to eat at the last minute. 
2. Create an exercise plan.  Contact a friend who has similar goals and make activity dates for yourselves that are put on your daily calendars.  Each day you can look ahead to know what the plan is for that day.  Keep it scheduled and you will fit it in.
3. Remember to carry food with you to the office or place of employment.  Fruits, vegetables, and cubed turkey are the top three easy-to-carry-and-munch-on snacks.  Buy plastic bags or containers that can easily be tossed into your purse, briefcase, or gym bag for that quick snack you may crave around 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. Also, remember to refrigerate your snack if need be, so it is ready when you are.  The positive feelings youíll get from having something nutritious to snack on will be motivating and satisfying.
4. Plan ahead and know when youíll be eating out or away from your home.  Keep the concept of portion size in the forefront of your mind.  You are in charge of how much you eat.  All foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle, but the amount we choose makes the difference.  Use a daily planner to note when youíre eating out so you can mentally prepare for what to expect.  If you know the restaurant, check the menu online or beforehand to assist in your onsite selection.  If youíre traveling, carry some small snacks with you just in case you may get hungry and wonít have time to search for healthy foods.  Be ready and plan ahead.
5. Food diaries can make a significant contribution to overall healthy-eating awareness.  First, recording what you eat helps you learn about your own patterns of eating.  Secondly, if you start losing weight, youíll have an accurate record of what you ate that promoted your weight loss.  Along with recording food intake you can add your physical activity.  The combined record will show you precisely how the two intersect to promote your goal of achieving a healthier, more fit YOU.

Before beginning any diet or exercise program, it is recommended that you consult your physician or other qualified health care provider.

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