Kitchen:
When your kitchen is crammed with snacks and sweets, what you see is what you eat. Identify foods that melt your resolve and toss them. Next, chuck anything expired or that you haven't touched in six months. Clutter destroys your focus and distracts you from better choices.
Store family members' treats out of sight. Transfer foods from their enticing packaging to opaque containers. Also, label the outside of packages with calories per serving, etc., so the nutritional information is the first thing you see.
Divide large bags/boxes of foods and treats into serving-sized baggies to grab on the go. This idea creates convenience and cuts down on overeating.
Bedroom:
Purge your closet of clothes that don't fit. Your closet should be filled with things that fit you and flatter you today, so that you can start every day feeling good about yourself. More than a couple of aspirational outfits can be demotivating.
Studies link good sleep habits to better weight management, so make your bedroom a relaxing haven - try soft bedding, aromatherapy candles, room-darkening shades, a white-noise machine or whatever else will help you get quality sleep.
Devote space to items that encourage healthy habits such as having your fitness gear accessible so you're reminded to work out and having your smartphone or tracker on your nightstand for easy tracking before bed.
Family Room:
Remove snack tables and TV trays to discourage mindless eating in front of the tube. Ban the candy bowl from the coffee table, and keep some hand weights or other exercise equipment close by to pick up and use during commercials.
Make the TV disappear behind cabinet doors or a screen when not in use. You are less likely to watch it if it's not staring at you, freeing you to do something more active.
Create a hobby box and keep it near the sofa. Busying your hands with scrapbooking, needle crafts, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, etc. can cut down on the chips-to-mouth action.
*Article adapted from Weight Watcher's brochure.
www.iowahealth.org/getphysicals