- Positive Thoughts. Try not to focus on the way you look - feeling the need to start exercising because of criticizing your weight. Instead, think of the power of exercise to benefit your health! Physical activity can prevent and help manage chronic diseases, but will also tone your body to look and feel great!
- Support System. Surround yourself with people who will help your new goals. Whether a best friend, coworker, or new workout partner at the gym. Look at local listings for free yoga events or cooking demos at grocery stores.
- Be Realistic. Set small changes for long-term impact. If your goal is to drop 30 pounds, try an achievable goal of aiming to reduce one pound per week. Focus on one goal and add to it once it's part of your lifestyle - first consume at least 5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables per day. Once you think of all that you can ADD, take away the extra sweets or fried foods.
- Patience. Remember progress takes time. Your goals may not change over night, but those worth while are worth the hard effort! If you stray from your meal plan one day, don't beat yourself up. Accept the challenge and think about how you can get back on track at your next meal.
Make your goals for you. Find what makes you happy. Live in the present and share your optimistic intentions.