Here's how to start thinking healthy:

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>

> Here's how to start thinking healthy:

>

> • Stay positive. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip. Starving yourself or

> overexercising the next day won't help. Simply resolve to get back on your

> program right away.

>

> • Keep a food diary. Take notes on what you eat and where, as well as your

> mood. After one week, review your entries. If you find you use food to soothe

> or reward yourself, look for healthy alternatives.

>

> • Set realistic goals. Change one thing about your diet each week: Cut back

> on portion size, or buy more fresh produce. Be reasonable -- if your diet is

> too restrictive, you'll lose motivation.

>

> • Make a commitment to exercise. Do 30 minutes of moderate activity (walking

> works fine) most days of the week. After two weeks, add 5 minutes to each

> session. To shed pounds, work up to 60 minutes a day. And remember -- always

> check with your doctor before starting any workout program.

>

> --Myra G. Kelley

>