A recent Harvard Medical School article presented the 7 habits to help you lose weight and keep it off. Here's an overview . . .
1. Set small, specific, and realistic goals.
Start with a goal of losing 5% to 10% of your weight, and give yourself plenty of time and some flexibility to reach that goal.
2. Start self-monitoring.
Write down what you eat and how much you exercise so you can see where you need to improve and better understand calories in and calories burned.
(caloriecount.about.com provides a free full calorie counter database with nutrition data for thousands of foods and recipes. It’s easy to use, helps you map out goals and gives you a great snapshot of your daily eating habits.)
3. Find a support network
Find at least one weight-loss buddy for motivation and accountability
4. Energize your exercise.
Try a new form of exercise. It keeps you challenged and less likely to become bored.
5. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
Inadequate sleep can lead to weight gain. Waking up feeling groggy and grouchy? You need more sleep.
6. Eat breakfast — slowly and mindfully — every morning.
7. Monitor and modify your screen time.
Not enough time to exercise? Keep track of your screen time (computer & TV) and scale back
