Small Steps to a Healthy Lifestyle

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has a nifty little website called SmallStep.gov that has a lot of great tips and tools for people who want to be healthier, eat healthier and be more active. (There's a site for adults and a fun one for kids)

While this includes most of us, many people are reluctant to do so because it seems difficult or overwhelming. Diet everyday? Forget it! Start an exercise program? Maybe next year!

But the key to the SmallStep.gov website is just what its name implies: small steps can add up to a big difference. It's something I agree with completely. I'm on the road to a healthier lifestyle, but it all began with small steps, and they have really added up.

A few of their cool tips for small steps to being more active (one of a good number of resources on the site):

• Walk to work.
• Use fat free milk over whole milk.
• Do sit-ups in front of the TV.
• Walk during lunch hour.
• Drink water before a meal.
• Eat leaner red meat & poultry.
• Eat half your dessert.
• Walk instead of driving whenever you can.
• Take family walk after dinner.
• Avoid food portions larger than your fist.
• Mow lawn with push mower.
• Increase the fiber in your diet.
• Drink diet soda.
• Do yard work.
• Grill, steam or bake instead of frying.

The kids page has some great resources too, including:

• Can your food do that?
• Games and activities, like "Taz's food crunch"
• The Small Step challenge quiz for kids