Five Simple Steps to Reach (and Maintain) a Healthy Weight

1. Reduce screen time.
One reason people get less exercise these days is because of an increase in "screen time" - the amount of time spent watching TV, looking at the computer, or playing video games. Limit recreational screen time to less than 2 hours per day. Try to "get moving"- if you find yourself lounging in front of the TV, make use of that time by either doing something active like walking on a treadmill or lifting light weights, or get outside.  If you're out shopping with friends, you're getting more exercise than if you're emailing them from your room.

2. Don't skip breakfast.
Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, burning calories from the get-go and giving you energy to do more during the day. People who skip breakfast often feel so hungry that they eat more later on, and end up consuming more calories than they would have if they ate breakfast. In fact, people who skip breakfast tend to have higher BMIs than people who eat breakfast.

3. Include fruits and veggies in every meal.
Fruits and veggies are about more than just vitamins and minerals. They're also packed with fiber, which means they fill you up. And when you fill up on fruits and veggies, you're less likely to overeat when it comes to high-calorie foods like chips or cookies. Try to include at least one serving with breakfast (example: blueberries on your cereal, a banana, or an orange) and one with lunch (example: slice up an apple, slurp a vegetable soup, or have a salad). At dinner, try to fill one half of your plate with vegetables such as corn, peas, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli.

4. Walk your way to wellness.
Walking is simple, natural and convenient -- and it's loaded with all the benefits of exercise. Walking can help you brighten your mood, boost your energy, lose weight, control your blood pressure, reduce stress, prevent bone loss and decrease the risks of many kinds of disease, including cancer. Walking is easier on the joints than many other types of exercise and rarely causes injury. Start with substituting walking in every day situations. For instance, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and do a loop around the block on your lunch break or right before dinner. "Step it up" by adding light ankle weights or a pedometer and make it fun with music or walk with a friend.

5. Keep healthy snacks around.
It's important to have healthy snacks at hand so you don't reach for empty calories. Keep a glass of water and fruit bowl on your desk. Carry a bag of cashews and walnuts with you - when you get hungry, these will help store up your protein and keep you feeling full longer. And if you are craving sweets, try applesauce or a granola bar.

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