The 3 Best Lifestyle Changes for Weight Loss

By Harry Papas

Editor's Note:

Dietitian Harry Papas, author of the newly published Slimmer: the New Mediterranean Way to Lose Weight, lost 100 pounds after developing his diet and lifestyle program. Along with fresh, delicious Mediterranean dishes that are low-calorie and help burn fat, Papas also includes advice on the lifestyle changes that are crucial to taking weight off and keeping it off. After all, if you’re stressed and out of sorts, you’re more likely to reach for high-fat comfort food. Here, his best tips for the changes that can lead to permanent weight loss:

Get up and Go These days most of us sit at a desk all day. We ride in the car to and from work, and then at night we attempt to relax by plopping on the couch in front of the TV. Sometimes we get on the treadmill at home or go to a gym and exercise--with fellow stressed professionals. But the easiest way to improve this situation is by walking. This is probably the best exercise that you can add to your life. Every time you need to get from point A to point B, see if there’s a way to get there on your own two feet. Try walking outside through a park full of birds, flowers, and sunshine. You will feel so rejuvenated (much more so than if you had stared at a TV while walking on a treadmill). Try to add a 20-30 minute pleasure walk each day and make it a point to move more often throughout the day, whether it be walking up the stairs or taking small walks in your office.

Disconnect Through instant access to a flood of information via through smart phones and the internet, we’re exposed to extremely high levels of stress daily. Everything is expected to be faster and we are supposed to always be keeping up. Try disconnecting for a while and see what happens to your mood and stress level. Take a few moments to go outside, close your eyes, relax, and bask in the sun. Turn off your cell phone and put it away. Finding moments to escape from everyday pressures is an important part of creating a fulfilling and happy life, as well as contributing to your health and longevity.

Maintain (or Create) A Sense of Community and Purpose Making quality time for family and friends is one of the many ways to feel connected to the world around you. Find ways to bond with nature, your environment, and your neighborhood. It will result in a sense of history and belonging that provides a healthy psychological and emotional balance to your life. You can create a solid sense of community through extended family, friends, and people who live nearby. Volunteer at local facilities like libraries, senior centers, hospitals, and churches. Participate in community activities and fund-raising events. Make time to chat with your neighbors and patronize local business. Feel the fulfilling results of your calmer (and more rewarding) lifestyle.

Copyright 2012 Harry Papas



About the Author

Papas, author of “Slimmer: The New Mediterranean Way to Lose Weight,” is a leading certified dietician and bestselling author in Greece, specializing in overweight and obesity issues. The founder of one of Greece's top diet and weight-loss centers located in Athens, Papas created the Slimmer nutrition system to lose weight permanently, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and help others do the same. For more information please visit http://www.theslimmerbook.com and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter.