If you've ever tried to reach a healthy weight, you know there are no shortcuts.
But you can do it.
It's all about making healthy changes in the way you eat and how much you move ...
lifestyle changes that can get you from here ... to where you want to be.
For a lot of people, taking that first step can be the hardest part.
One way to start is by thinking about your goal.
Why is reaching a healthy weight important to you?
Having a reason can help you stay on track ...
and help you measure how well you're doing.
Your reason is personal ... it's just for you.
And it doesn't have to be a number on a scale.
Maybe your reason is to lower your blood pressure.
Or to feel more comfortable in your clothes and at ease with yourself.
Name it ... you might even write it down. Let it inspire you.
Now, as for how you get there ... keep your reason in mind ...
and break it down into small goals.
Say you want to reach a healthy weight by eating more fruits and vegetables.
What's one way you could do that?
Maybe it's eating a piece of fruit when you crave something sweet.
Or starting your meal with a salad.
Pick something small that you know you can do.
Or maybe your goal is to add more activity to your daily routine.
Like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Or getting off the bus a stop or two early.
Or an early morning walk with a friend a few days a week.
Now, set aside time to work on these goals.
What things will you do in the next week that build toward your long-term goal?
Write down what you'll do ... and when.
You can use a calendar, a notepad, or even a smartphone app.
Take notes on how it's going ...
like a check mark each time you do what you planned.
Once you have success with your first step, you might just feel like adding another step.
So, maybe now you have some ideas about how you can get started.
It's your journey ... and you get to plan it.
Know your reason.
Start with a small goal, then set your timeline and keep track of your progress.
Step by step ... you'll learn what works for you. And you can build on that.
How will you begin?
