Most of us can identify with the common experience of using a “diet” to lose weight, feeling at least somewhat satisfied with results… And then watching in dismay as the weight returns. This happens because we tend to view weight loss and maintenance as a temporary endeavor, instead of a lifestyle change that become permanent. We aren’t practicing “sustainability” with regard to our health!

Just imagine if we took that same approach to an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Could you carry your own bags to the grocery store, ditch straws and lids, walk instead of driving, and take other measures toward protecting the environment for a year? Sure you could. But if you stopped all of those measures and went back to an unsustainable lifestyle once you felt “finished”, you wouldn’t be saving the environment. You would undo some damage for a period of time, and then resume environmental damage once more.

The same concept applies to your body. In order to get healthy and stay healthy, we have to consider our habits on a permanent basis. So what measures could you take, and implement them into your routine forever, that would help you keep lost weight from returning and stay healthy for a lifetime?

• Eat more fiber-rich foods and an adequate serving of fruits and vegetables daily
• Limit alcohol – not just while you’re losing weight, but as a long term healthy habit
• If you eat meat, switch to leaner sources like chicken and fish
• Reduce the amount of added sugar you eat
• Focus on foods that are as close as possible to their original form (if it’s been through a factory, it’s probably no good)
• Eat healthy snacks throughout the day, instead of skipping meals and binge-eating later
• Learn to read and interpret food labels correctly
• Practice mindful eating
• Get some form of exercise daily (walking or biking instead of driving, when you can, is good for the environment too)

For more information on changing your eating and exercise habits, either for weight loss or for general health, give us a call. We can help you learn about your body’s needs and how to support yourself nutritionally to reach your goals.