The second problem that many people run into is trying to change too much too quickly. We want change and we want it now! But change that is made to last usually takes time. It takes a lot of energy to change a behavior, whereas it takes almost no energy to follow a habit. Energy is not a never-ending resource and so we have to use it wisely and judiciously. Consider how much energy it takes to force yourself to eat a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner and not snack in between! Now consider how much energy it takes to brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth doesn't require energy or "will power" because it is a learned habit. Going to sleep or waking up without brushing your teeth feels wrong (hopefully!). Similarly, you can train yourself to have a healthy breakfast each morning. Once that is a learned behavior (which should happen after a week or two), it will be a habit and to not eat a healthy breakfast will feel wrong. Then you can work on eating a healthy lunch...and so forth.

Making and maintaining lifestyle changes doesn't have to be difficult. Identify what you want to change and why you want to change it. Is making the change a passing a whim of yours, or is it anchored in your core values? If it is anchored in your core values then let your daily decisions reflect your true values. Make the daily changes small until they are habits, and then make more changes. You can make healthy changes in your life. You can maintain those changes. I know it and so do you. Now go out and do it.

To read more depth to my suggestions for how to make lasting lifestyle changes, check out my book, The Arthritis Handbook: Improve Your Health and Manage the Pain of Osteoarthritis. I hope you have found this blog helpful. I wish you the best of health because with good health, all things are possible.