Your health: Instead of making excuses

A different spin on the concept this time. You'll get a list of ten things as always. This time though stop reading at the first thing you don't already do and try doing it for ten days. I have compiled the commonalities I've found in books and websites for eating well and staying healthy.

Only adopt one thing at a time so if you don't eat breakfast, stop at number 1 and try making it part of your morning routine for ten days. Once you've done that, come back for the next thing. I made it to number three before stopping. I'll check back in ten days and let you know how that goes.

1. Eat breakfast
Ideally you have protein, water, and carbs within a few hours of waking up. I am trying oatmeal because I've read it's a super food. I don't love it but a few almonds sprinkled in makes it bearable.
2. Cut out cola- sweetened and diet
Read the label. The ingredients sound more like a chemistry experiment than food.
3. Take a multi-vitamin
Unless you believe your habits are getting the correct dose of all those needed nutrients, you need this.
4. Measure and weigh your food for serving size
We underestimate quantity. My one serving of cheerios turned into 2 and a half. One cup seems so small in my big breakfast bowl.
5. Add three servings of veggies to your daily meals
The experts think we get one or two servings a day. By adding three more your almost at recommended levels.
6. Pack a lunch
My small salad at Corner Baker on Monday had 46 grams of fat. Wow! I could have had a burger.
7. Eat small meals every three hours
I am just now trying this. It is amazing not to feel hungry during the day. Not as easy as it sounds but worth the effort.
8. Get protein from chicken, fish, and nuts
Lean protein is important and needed in small quantities every meal according to the experts.This will be another stopping place for me.
9. Learn your calorie target
The FDA site lets you enter your age and weight to figure out your metabolic rate and the calories needed to sustain you.
10. Enjoy one treat meal each week
My husband reminds me that going all out, full bore will lead to quick burnout. I have a feeling I will enjoy spending ten days on this one.