Healthy Habits to Jump Start Your Weight Loss

Weight gain can pretty much be summed up with two words: bad habits. We eat too much of the wrong things and we exercise too little. The ending result is weight gain. It takes awhile for something to become a habit. According to Answers.com, it usually takes anywhere from 30 - 40 repetitions for most people for a new habit to be formed.

In order to get rid of the habits that have contributed to weight gain, it is important to form new ones to replace them. Here are some habits that will help get you started.

1)Restock your pantry. Throw out or donate all of the food in there that will hinder your weight loss. Items like chips and cookies have no place in your pantry if you are on a weight loss journey. Neither do white rice and pasta. Fill your pantry with items such as legumes, whole grain rice, pasta, and bread, canned beans, and olive oil.

2)Restock your freezer. Throw out the high fat, calorie rich ice cream, frozen desserts, and snack items. Many of the snack items you will find in your refrigerator are high in both fat and salt. Instead fill it with a variety of frozen vegetables. If you must have ice cream, there are many low calorie, sugar free or low sugar versions. You have to remember, however, that this can also be a temptation. If you sit down and eat an entire container of sugar free ice cream, you are still eating an "entire container of ice cream

3)Restock your refrigerator. Make a point to keep your refrigerator stocked with fresh fruits and vegetable, lean meats, low fat dairy items and soy items. Get rid of anything that is loaded with fat and calories.

Getting the unhealthy food out of your house is one of the best ways to put yourself on the path to healthy eating. If you are hungry, you will most likely eat what is there rather than drive to the store to buy an unhealthy alternative. The more you get used to eating healthy food, the more your taste buds will learn to appreciate them.

Learn good exercise habits. Bad exercise habits also lead to weight gain. Most of the time, no exercise is the habit that people most need to overcome. Other times, it is trying too much too soon, resulting in burn out or injury. The key to exercise is baby steps. You must work your way up gradually to where you want to be. Don't start off thinking you can walk 5 miles a day. Instead, start with a 10 minute walk each day. Each week add another 10 minutes. You will eventually find that you enjoy the feeling that comes from exercise. You will also see the benefits.

It takes awhile to form unhealthy habits. It will take awhile to form healthy ones. Don't give up. Make a mindful effort to change and before you know it, the changes will become second nature to you.