nutrition facts

Many of us make health-related resolutions
such as to lose weight
stop smoking or join the neighborhood health club. While it is common to set high goals
experts say that setting smaller goals could do more for our health.

"Small steps are achievable and are easier to fit into your daily routine
says James O. Hill, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.
They are less overwhelming than a big
sudden change."

Here are 10 to try:

1. Stop gaining weight. Even if you gain just a pound or two every year
the extra weight adds up quickly.

2. Take more small steps. Use a pedometer to count your daily steps; then add 2
0
the equivalent of one extra mile. Keep adding steps
1
0
to 2
0
each month or so
until you take 10
0
steps on most days.

3. Eat breakfast. Breakfast eaters tend to weigh less and have better diets overall. For a filling and nutrition-packed breakfast
top Whole Grain Totalฎ with fresh fruit slices and low-fat or fat-free milk.

4. Switch three grain servings each day to whole grain. If you're like the average American
you eat less than one whole grain serving a day.

5. Have at least one green salad every day. Eating a salad (with low-fat or fat-free dressing) is filling and may help you eat less during the meal. It also counts toward your five daily cups of vegetables and fruits.

6. Trim the fat. Fat has a lot of calories
and calories count. Purchase lean meats
eat poultry without the skin
switch to lower-fat cheeses
use a nonstick pan with only a dab of oil or butter.

7. Consider calcium by including two or three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt. Dairy calcium is good for bones and may also help you lose weight.

8. Downsize. The smaller the bag
bottle or bowl
the less you will eat.

9. Lose just 5 to 10 percent of your current weight. The health benefits are huge-lower blood pressure
blood sugar
cholesterol and triglycerides.

10. Keep track of your eating. Write down what you eat over the next couple of days and look for problem spots. Often
just writing things down can help you eat less.

Mindy Hermann

Note to Editors: This is Series V-16 of 26.