Want to lose weight in 2019?

National Healthy Weight Awareness Week begins January 20. Many of us will already be working toward our 2019 resolutions by then, so we may want to keep in mind what a healthy weight and a healthy look means to us now. Being healthy isn’t a one-size-fits-all definition. What’s healthy for one may not be for another. Take some time to think about what a healthy weight is for you.

How can you actively work to keep or achieve your health weight?

6 Tips to Help You Achieve Your Healthy Weight

• Move more. This doesn’t mean you have to go to a gym or exercise for X minutes every day. The more you move throughout the day, the better. A 10-minute walk here or 30 minutes cleaning your kitchen, all of those things add up. If you feel like you haven’t moved in a while, get up and take a walk around your house or office.
• Drink water. You’ve probably heard this many times before, but it’s true. Drinking water has many health benefits, including helping manage your weight. Be sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Eat balanced. Make an effort to ensure your meals are balanced and nutritious. A good rule of thumb is to fill half your plate with fruits and/or vegetables. Feeling hungry in between meals? Grab a piece of fruit or a vegetable for a snack!
• Step it up. Take the stairs whenever you are able, at the mall, the office, apartment buildings, etc. Choosing to take the stairs throughout the day helps you burn more calories with only a little extra effort.
• Record your goals. Writing your goals down allows you to take ownership of them. Be sure to make your goals as specific as possible. Keep in mind, sometimes setting smaller goals more often can help you achieve your overall healthy lifestyle goal.
• Focus on what you can change. Think about things you personally are able to do or change in your life to help you reach your healthy weight goal. Perhaps it’s packing your lunch instead of eating out. Maybe it’s creating space to be active throughout your day or making better snack choices. Understanding what you’re in control of and what you can change can affect your well-being in a positive way.

Open houses at all chapters are scheduled throughout January. Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting FREE of CHARGE. We have over 21 chapters in the Middlesex county alone. Morning and evening Chapters can be found in Arlington, Billerica, Burlington, Brighton, Chelmsford, Lowell, Lexington, Melrose, Natick, Reading,Tewksbury,Townsend,Wayland, and Waltham. If you don’t see your town listed, call me and ask how easy it is to start a chapter. Membership is affordable at just $32 per year in the U.S. plus nominal chapter fees.

To find details of these towns listed for a local chapter, view www.tops.org or call Diane Trayah Middlesex Area Captain at 978-657-6103 to just ask more about TOPS.