Small changes can yield big results

I have made some small, incremental changes to my eating habits in the past month in order to lose weight. I think the changes I have chosen to make will make a significant difference in the numbers on the scale a year from now. :)

What small changes can we all make to make a difference in our weight?

For me:

I have completely cut out soda of ANY kind (including diet soda) and now drink water in its place.

Cutting out soda (which counts for about 100 calories in an 8 oz. glass) may only mean a small decrease in my overall calorie consumption in a day but will make a significant dent in my weight.

I have increased my consumption of green and leafy veggies.

Not only do most vegetables contain zero calories they are foods that make a body healthier, feel fuller and help to produce more energy because they are packed with vitamins.

Now veggie eating has always been a chore for me--unless they are covered with butter, oil, cream or fat. but I am making a conscious decision to eat more of the (admittedly few) veggies I *do * like in order to consume fewer calories.

I park at the far end of the lot instead of cruising until I find something close to the store.

It's better for the environment. With the high cost of gas it's better for my wallet. And finally, it isn't going to kill me to walk a little further to get to the mall entrance. That small increase in activity will make a big difference if added up over the course of a year.

What small, simple and manageable changes can we make to our diet and lifestyle to help us lose weight?

People have no idea what just eliminating soda will do for them. All that sugar and high fructose corn syrup is horrible. Soda is all our children drink and in really needs to stop. Water, water and more water. Also keeping a journal will really help also. Then you know how many calories you are taking in.

I agree with you jeffathome and I can stand to lose some pounds myself... I do pretty good with the veggie and fruit thing but I need to add a little bit of excercise to the mix.

How much weight have you lost so far?

Another small change that might help is stop eating three hours before you go to bed so if you go to bed at 10pm don't eat anything after 7pm.

I am pretty much at my ideal weight. Just toning and strength training now. Also running about 15 miles a week. I can tell you one thing. I used to drink about 3 sodas a day and now it is about 2 a week. What a difference. Probably droppend about 2 inches in my waist just from that. I really feel if you do not have your health then you have nothing so I try to be a 37 year old in a 21 year old body. Not there yet but I'm closing fast. I am getting ready to start the P90x workout soon.

I too made small changes that added up to weight loss for me.

I was never a soda drinker but I did love lemonade. I almost never drink it anymore.

I almost never eat white breads anymore. It's either whole wheat or grain. I still enjoy pizza from time to time so that's why I said almost never. The pizza I eat is on white dough.

I tend to now make two veggies for dinner.

I eat a lot more fruit. I'll grab an apple instead of chips.

Making one change at a time, I really didn't feel like I was giving things up. I instead looked for things I liked. Like with the bread, I've found a few brands of grain bread that I just love. So I actually am now eating something I like more.