4 Simple Rules for Changing Your Lifestyle and Losing Weight

How I Lost 5 Pounds in 4 Weeks Without Giving Up Junk Food

When I was in college, I could feast on all sorts of fast food and junk food and still be in great shape. But, as I've gotten older, I'm noticing my calories are starting to be harder to burn. And, when I took my annual wellness test at work, I was shocked to learn that, not only was I about 15 pounds overweight, my body fat percentage is putting me at risk for future heart problems.

I'm not good at making changes to my life but I've found ways to make it a bit easier by following some simple rules:

Out of Sight, Out of Mind. I can't live without junk food; my taste buds would never forgive me. However, I did manage to cut back by simply putting it in out-of-the-way locations like the back of the fridge or in a storage closet on the other side of the house. If it's a fruit or vegetable or other health snack, it's in a convenient location, such as on the counter or a fruit basket. It's amazing how easily you'll give in and have some carrots just because you don't have to do any extra work to get them.

If you want something, you have to earn it. I apply this rule to fast food, another thing I have a hard time giving up completely. So, I've reached a compromise and have stuck with it. Rather than being a staple in my diet, it is a reward. This weekend, my wife and I finally got our spare bedroom cleaned out (we had a lot of our moving boxes back there) and, as a reward, I went to Cousins for a couple of subs. The weekend before that was spent trimming trees in the back yard before a trip to McDonalds. Once it's warmer, I'll also allow myself fast food if I walk there first (the closest McDonalds is 2 miles).

A rolling stone gathers no moss. It used to be, when I got home from work, I would spend my evening sitting on the couch. No more. Now, I am not allowed to sit until I do something physical; either I do some housework or I go outside with my daughter to play or take her for a walk. One other option is turning on my Nintendo Wii and playing Wii Sports for 45 minutes.