5 Little Tips to Help You Lose Weight

Is there ever a time when someone isn't dieting? Maybe that person is you! As someone who has been on an off diets for a little while now, there are some little changes I made in the beginning that made a huge difference ( and REALLY notice the difference when I'm bad and stop those little changes.) These are little changes that almost anyone can do that you may not even think about that can add up to a huge difference.

1. Take the stairs. Always

This seems like a very obvious, " no kidding Sherlock" kind of tip. But how many times do you take the escalator? Elevator? Your thighs might be burning the first couple times but soon after-wards you get used to it. Wearing a pedometer can also show the little difference can add up. A decent pedometer can be around $20 and will tell you how many steps a day you are taking. Get a base line and start trying to add steps every day. Taking stairs can add lots of steps to your total!

2. Stay away from the candy jar!!

We have a community candy jar which can be a great mid day boost. Several trips to the candy jar may seem innocent, but all those trips add up. Have some low calorie gum at your desk when you are feeling a craving. If you can't have food where you work, or gum in particular, be like me and wear retainers. Having to take them out every time you want food makes you ask yourself "Is it really worth it?". Nine times out of ten I'm not really THAT hungry and end up passing up on the Reese's cup or Hershey Kiss.

3. Take a walk during your lunch break.

If you get a long enough lunch break, take a walk around the block or building, weather permitting. It does not have to be a power walk or jog ( no one likes a sweaty coworker), but a leisurely stroll can get some much needed fresh air, discover new places, and a great mini workout.

4. Bring snacks.

Now I know I said earlier to stay away from the candy jar, but around 4:00 or 4:30, everyone I know get a case of the mid afternoon grumblies. By 5:00 I am starving on my way home and wolf down everything in site once I'm home. This is no good. By bringing a small healthy snack for the ride ( or drive) home, this curbs my appetite until I can get something a little healthier in my tummy without eating lots of useless calories.

5. Make a small change every week

If you try and do everything at once, you will more than likely do it for maybe a week and decide its too much and give up all together. By gradually making small changes ( first the stairs, then the snack, then the lunch time walk etc etc), you will be more apt to not only do them, but keep them as a habit. Before you know it these small changes will become second nature. Don't get me wrong when I've have a long day I will take the escalator just like everyone else, but those 2 flights of stairs at the end of the stair can also make me feel really good that even at the end of the day, I can do them. Good luck and be the change you want to be!