Are you just about ready to make some changes to your lifestyle that will improve your overall health? Have you been depressed by the numbers on your scale, or your fitness level? Don’t be intimidated by change! It’s easier than you might think. Let’s look at five of the many ways to make small, manageable changes that can lead to huge results!

The first thing you’ll want to do is keep a journal. Take the time to write down the things that you’re doing right. Give this some serious thought and be honest with yourself. At the same time, list those areas of your life that need improvement. Be detailed and specific. Keep this information in a location where you can refer to it often and update it regularly.

The next important step to making a change is to know your personal numbers. Get an accurate reading on your weight and take your measurements. At the very least measure your chest, waist, hips, upper thighs, and upper arms. Visit your doctor and ask for lab work. Know your cholesterol, your blood pressure, your triglycerides, and your blood sugar. Keep this information in your journal as well. Having a starting point makes it easy to pinpoint change.

The third thing you’ll want to do is to create some goals. You must know where you’re headed. Write down exactly what you intend to accomplish and again, be specific. Include both short-term goals, which can be achieved in two to four weeks, and long-term goals, which could take months. It will be the short-term goals that provide you with the most motivation. Be careful not to set time limits. Don’t record, “I want to lose 10 pounds in one month.” Statements like this tend to set you up for failure. Let things happen naturally to reflect the changes that you have made.

The fourth step on our road to change is for you to learn the weight loss guidelines. This includes becoming proficient at utilizing the food pyramid and it’s recommended portions. There are several food pyramids to choose from, including the USDA Food Pyramid and the Vegetarian Food Pyramid. Choose the one that best meets your needs and become familiar with it.

Speaking of portions, you must learn to judge portion sizes with a degree of accuracy. We do much of our eating outside of our homes in restaurants and at social events. To reach your weight loss goal and maintain your weight, you must learn to judge portion sizes.

Another important weight loss guideline that you must learn is how to read and understand the nutrition fact label. These are found on almost all food products and provide valuable information that can help you make wise food choices.

Becoming more active is the fifth and final step that we will discuss. Every single movement that you make burns more calories than sitting, so you must add more movement. Adding a formal workout to your day will be especially beneficial, but if you just can’t stand the thought of doing that right now, then look for other ways that you can be more active throughout your day. Walk the dog, wash the car, vacuum the rug. Rake the leaves, sweep the driveway, pull the weeds. Park further away from your destination and forget how to use elevators. You get the idea…

Following these five simple steps will allow you to make significant changes to your overall health. You will be amazed at how well you look and feel. You will notice that your energy and stamina improve and that you sleep better. Your self-confidence will grow and you will feel encouraged to make even more changes that will offer amazing health benefits.