Your Personal Path to Health: Steps to a Healthier You!
A healthy lifestyle is easier than you might think. The path to good health isn’t the same for everyone and yours may change over time. To travel down your personal path, take small steps that are right for you, one at a time. Every step adds up, so you’ll reach your health goals before you know it. Here are some steps and tips to help you start down your path to good health.
Find the right steps for you by starting with MyPyramid. MyPyramid can be thought of as a roadmap that guides you down your path to a healthier you. To look for the Pyramid that’s right for your personal path, visit http://www.MyPyramid.gov to calculate your daily calorie needs, learn your recommended amounts from each food group and find a sample week’s worth of menus. MyPyramid is made up of five food groups plus oils. For good health, eat a variety of foods from each food group every day.
Some guideposts to keep in mind: Be realistic. Make small changes over time in what you eat and the level of activity you do. After all, small steps often work better than giant leaps. Be adventurous. Expand your tastes to enjoy a variety of foods and physical activities. Be flexible. Go ahead and find your right balance between what you eat and the physical activity you do over several days. No need to worry about just one meal or one day. Be sensible. Enjoy the foods you eat, just don’t overdo it. Be active. Walk the dog, don’t just watch the dog walk.
Are your eyes bigger than your stomach?
The portion you eat or drink may be larger than you think, especially compared to the amount recommended for a whole day. Keeping tabs on how much you eat and balancing out bigger amounts over time with smaller amounts or more physical activity are just a few small steps to help you manage your portion sizes. Or, try these tips---the choice is yours!
The smaller your plate, the smaller your portion. Eat your meals at home on a smaller plate. Before going back for seconds, wait 10-15 minutes. You might not want seconds after all.
Dish it out. When you order fast food, picture the food on a plate. Even better, take it home and put it on a plate. If you’re surprised at how full the plate looks, order smaller sizes next time.
Portion out your snack on a plate, not from the bag, to stay aware of how much you’re eating.
When dining out, order an appetizer instead of an entrée. If you order an entrée, take the leftovers home, refrigerate and enjoy another meal or a snack tomorrow.
Buy or portion out treats and snacks in small bags or packages.
Steps to get Active.
Finding your right balance between food and physical activity is an important step toward good health. The good news is you don’t have to join a gym or be a trained athlete to benefit from physical activity. All the moves you make add up—just get moving.
To get started and stick with it choose activities you enjoy that work for you and your lifestyle. Pick from the small steps below or make up your own moves.
If you’ve been out of action for a while, start with a 10 minute walk and gradually add more minutes over time. You may want to check with your octor firs.t
Make TV time count. Stretch, life weights or pedal a stationary bike while you watch.
Workout at work! Replace a coffee break with a brisk 10 minute walk. Go solo for some “alone time” or recruit a co-worker for moral support.
Play with your kids. Kick a ball, shoot some hoops, jump rope or ride bikes.
For more information, contact your local county extension office.
8/31/2006