Small Changes, Big Results

People often ask for my viewpoint on nutrition, weight loss, and success – making changes “stick”. In simple terms, here’s my philosophy:

1. Small changes…taken one at a time.
2. Accountability…to one’s self and someone else.
3. Target dates…to accomplish each new beneficial step.

Recently, I met with a young woman, ecstatic because she lost 4 lbs in one week, “without dieting”.   Based on her eating patterns, she chose to follow through with the following three steps from a list we compiled:

1. Drink 80 oz of water daily; obtained by 16 oz at 3 meals and 16 oz upon waking and in the afternoon.
2. Larger, baseball-sized portions of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables that she was already eating and enjoying.
3. More “activity” in the evenings, rather than sitting.

These few steps resulted in weight loss because the “fill-up value” of water, fruits and vegetables   enabled smaller portions of other calorie-rich foods. In addition, an evening project of fixing up her patio kept her engaged in a fun, rewarding activity after a full day of work.  No “reward” food in front of the TV was needed!

Small changes, big results. This is the note she wrote me:  “I love that I don’t feel like I am dieting, but I am still losing weight.  I am starting to see how taking care of myself can happen by making small, positive changes daily.  This is a significant shift for me, so I am grateful!”

What small changes can help you trim 50 calories off breakfast, 100 off lunch, 100 off dinner, and 50 off a snack?  Think about it, because here are the potential results:  a loss of approximately 8 pounds in 90 days!  Add 60 min of additional physical activity weekly (if appropriate) for a loss of approximately 10 lbs in 90 days! That is success!

I am a big believer that it is the little things that count the most! Do YOU have tips for small changes that help you achieve your best health, weight, fitness, energy?  I would love to hear them. Please share your ideas in the comments below.

For more resources and tips, visit www.georgiakostas.com. Also, follow me on Twitter @georgiakostas or like my professional Facebook page, Georgia Kostas Nutrition.

Five Tips to Jumpstart an Active and Healthy 2011

Start off the New Year on the right foot! Here are some tips to make each day better than the last — all year through:

1. Stay active…even two 15-minute segments daily of fast-walking, stair-climbing, etc. when you cannot get to the gym will help!

2. Keep a healthy mindset…balance richer foods with seafood, salads, soups, and veggies. Shrimp is a real winner – 10 calories each!

3. Focus on people before plates…the company you’re with should be the most treasured part of any gathering! Look for good conversations and quality catch-up time as a more fulfilling experience than what is being served.

4. Eat slowly…you will likely feel full twenty minutes after eating, no matter how much or little you eat.

5. Keep healthy foods in sight…display nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables on your kitchen counter. You’ll likely see and crave an apple, pear or avocado more than a calorie-dense food that’s packed away in your refrigerator or pantry.

For more resources visit my website at http://www.georgiakostas.com/ or like my Facebook Fan Page at Georgia Kostas Nutrition. Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year!