Making Small Changes for Big Change

I wrote this blog post as part of a movement by Weight Watchers to encourage people to remember that loving yourself starts with taking care of your health everyday. Though I was compensated for my time and commitment, all views, positive and negative, are my own.

For many years I have struggled with my weight. Even before kids I had issues with eating right and losing weight. I tried whatever the newest fad diet was but could never stick with. It’s true that old habits die hard! I always started the diets with good intentions. I always plunged in 100% with everything I had, which doesn’t sound bad but it was. It was so much change all at once that there was never really any chance of me sticking with it.

A few weeks ago I was introduced to the Weight Watchers Simple Start plan. Instead of diving into a huge life change, you make small changes in your life that will lead to big changes. You know, baby steps. So, first I started by making a list of goals to create a happier and healthier life, then I broke them down into “small things”.

For example, I want to be more active. I work on the computer a lot and I need to get moving. So a few little things that I can do are: take the stairs instead of the elevator, park in the back of the parking lot instead of waiting for that front spot, or even just making a point of getting up and walking around ever half hour while I’m working.

Changes for better health are not just about eating right. A happier, healthier person also needs to take of their mind. Their sanity. This was definitely the hardest part for me. I know that other moms can relate because we always put our families needs before our own. But what good are we to our family if we are not happy and healthy? So I tried really, really hard to take time out for me. My husband took the kids into the garage to help him build a new veggie garden planter for our backyard and instead of doing the dishes or more laundry, I sat outside with a book and glass of fruit water. And I have to confess, it felt really great!

Remember, you don’t have to do it alone! Good health benefits everyone in your family. Take family time outdoors and go for a walk or take a hike at a local park. Include your family in your new healthy meal plan too! No one wants to make two separate meals for the whole family, right? 

Be sure to check out the Weight Watchers Simple Start plan where they provide you with a list of foods to choose from and delicious meal ideas. Don’t worry, it’s not a list of foods that you have to find a specialty store to shop at or order online. It’s real food that you can find at your local grocery store. And, as always, there’s an app for that! You can view the food lists on your phone so that you have access to the plan while on the go.

How will you take simple steps to a healthier, happier you?