Getting healthy and losing weight does not have to be a chore. In fact, a few simple changes to your routine can make an enormous difference. Search this list for something you think you can start today and make it a habit. When you make just one change and commit to it, you will feel better and see changes in your health. Imagine what could happen if you make a few changes!

What will you try?

If you...Use the elevator or escalator

Try this... Take the stairs for 2 minutes

How often? Everyday

If you make these changes, you can lose TWO pounds in a year

If you...Use a tablespoon of mayonnaise on your sandwich

Try this... Use mustard

How often? 3 days a week

If you make these changes, you can lose FOUR pounds in a year

If you...Eat a large order of French fries

Try this...Eat a small order of French fries 

How often? Once a week

If you make these changes, you can lose FIVE pounds in a year

If you...Sit on the couch and watch TV

Try this...Vacuum, dust or do other housework while watching TV 

How often? 1/2 hour a day

If you make these changes, you can lose FIVE pounds in a year

If you...Drink an 8 oz (small) glass of whole milk

Try this...Drink an 8 oz (small) glass of non-fat milk 

How often? Once a day

If you make these changes, you can lose SIX pounds in a year

If you...Have 2 drinks sitting at the bar for 1 hour

Try this...Order 1 drink and dance for 1 hour

How often?  One day a week 

If you make these changes, you can lose SIX pounds in a year

If you...Drive, take a taxi, bus or subway

Try this...Walk fast for 20 minutes 

How often? Everyday

If you make these changes, you can lose SEVEN pounds in a year

If you...Eat a 2 oz chocolate bar (size of 1 Snickers bar or about 4 regular sized Reeses Peanut butter Cups)

Try this...Have a piece of fruit 

How often? Two days a week

If you make these changes, you can lose SEVEN pounds in a year

If you...Drink a 16 oz (medium) latte with whole milk

Try this...Drink a 16 oz (medium) latte with non-fat milk 

How often? Everyday

If you make these changes, you can lose TEN pounds in a year

If you...Eat a 3-egg cheese omelet with bacon, toast and hash browns

Try this...Have a bowl of cereal with non-fat milk for breakfast 

How often? One day a week

If you make these changes, you can lose ELEVEN pounds in a year

If you...Eat a pint of ice cream every week

Try this...Eat a half-pint of sorbet

How often?  Every week

If you make these changes, you can lose TWELVE pounds in a year

If you...Drink a can of regular soda

Try this...Have a glass of water 

How often? Once a day

If you make these changes, you can lose FIFTEEN pounds in a year

Source: "How to Lose Weight and Keep it Off" New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC Health Bulletin #51, Volume 6, Number 5

Did You Know? is a series of health articles written by HHPC and reviewed by our Health Advisory Board.