When it comes to losing weight, small healthy changes are usually the best way to get lasting results. So often we change too much at first, then the change feels overwhelming which leads to it being unsustainable.

This is often a big factor for people who yo-yo diet, or can’t seem to say consistent long enough to see any results. So here are 6 small, healthy changes you can make so that the change does not feel like too much at once.

6 Small Healthy Changes for Big Results

1. Find the middle ground.

Eating and physical activity should not be done to extremes. All or nothing, black or white thinking won’t get you very far. Too often, this is how people approach their eating and exercise choices: all or nothing. Being either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ in a day.

No individual snack, meal, or drink—or day on the couch—will ruin your picture of health, but a pattern of overconsumption or disregard for your health will affect the end result. Since perfection is not possible (or even necessary), find the balance in-between. With your eating and exercise plan take into account your schedule, preferences, goals, health concerns, and other issues specific to you, you’re able to establish a healthy lifestyle that is flexible enough to withstand the realities of your daily life.

2. Use nutrition information as a tool, not a weapon.

Rigid rules set you up for failure because when your favorites are off-limits, you’ll still want them. This can trigger cravings, overeating, and guilt, so you may find yourself in the trap I call the “eat-regret-beat yourself up” cycle.

Instead, enjoy the foods you really love without guilt. This freedom actually decreases cravings and overeating, and increases enjoyment and moderation. When guilt is no longer a factor, common sense prevails.

Remember that all foods can fit into a healthy diet. Just keep in mind the common-sense principles of balance, variety, and moderation when deciding what to eat: balance eating for enjoyment with eating for nourishment; choose a variety of foods to feel healthy and satisfied; and practice moderation in all things.

If your eating is out of balance, simply ask yourself, “Is there a healthier choice I could make without feeling deprived?” Or CHOOSE to indulge mindfully so there is no guilt. That is balance, variety, and moderation.

3. Check your fuel gauge.

You wouldn’t pull into a gas station to fill up without first checking your fuel gauge. But how often do you eat just because it’s there? To recognize the difference between wanting to eat and needing to eat, pause and ask yourself, “Am I hungry?”

It’s a deceptively simple question. You’ll probably be surprised to discover how often you feel like eating just because you’re bored, tired, stressed, or want a reward. Eating food your body doesn’t need leads to weight gain—and doesn’t meet your emotional needs very well either.

By asking yourself if you’re hungry, you may sometimes realize that you’re too hungry. Skipping meals, especially breakfast, sets you up for overeating and poor choices. Keep nutrient rich foods on hand for snacks. Examples of great choices include a handful of nuts, fresh or dried fruit, whole grain crackers with string cheese, or a pouch of ready-to-eat tuna.

4. End eating on autopilot.

Eating on the run doesn’t work because multitasking is a myth. Your brain can only focus on one thing at a time so everything else goes on autopilot—especially eating. That is why you can get to the end of a meal and feel stuffed, but strangely unsatisfied.

On the other hand, mindful eating is eating with intention and attention. Eat with the intention of feeling better when you’re done than you did when you started. Eat with attention by taking a break to eat. Make eating an opportunity to refuel and recharge. Minimize distractions, pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, and appreciate the aromas, appearance, and flavors of the meal. Awareness of your body’s fuel needs and conscious enjoyment of the entire experience leads to greater satisfaction with less food.

As you experience the benefits of eating more mindfully, ask yourself what other areas of your life would improve with less multitasking and more intention and attention.

5. Exercise for health, not punishment.

Don’t make the mistake of exercising to earn the right to eat or pay penance for eating, as in, “I was so bad at dinner last night; I’ll spend an extra hour on the treadmill.”

This negative approach leads to dread and avoidance of exercise. Instead, exercise for energy, productivity, health, function, and longevity.

Find activities that you really enjoy and that work well in your schedule. Even busy people quickly discover that it’s a great return on their investment when they focus on the benefits. Exercise is so valuable in fact, that if you’re too busy to exercise, you’re just too busy. 15 minutes is better than no minutes at all.

If you aren’t in shape yet, start small and you’ll quickly adapt. Picture that pendulum: small steps practiced consistently are more effective than one large, temporary overhaul.

6. Take responsibility for your well-being.

Self-care is not an indulgence, it is a necessity. But don’t expect someone else to say, “You know what you really need? ‘Time for yourself!” You have to believe you deserve it and be willing to invest your precious resources to make sure you get it. When you say ” I don’t have time” what you are really saying is “Myself and my needs are not a priority”… We all find the time for what’s important to us.

I hope these 6 small, healthy changes are helpful to you. Start with one, and continue to build on these healthy habits for long-term weight loss and optimal health.

And if you’re ready for some support, schedule your free discovery call with me now so we can figure out what your next best step is together!