Part 4: Create a Helpful Environment

Your day-to-day activities include hundreds of habits. Some may be second nature or automatic, like reaching for your seatbelt when you get in a car. Some may be weaker and subject to change, like including fruits or vegetables with your meals and snacks. Be patient. It can take several weeks to form a new habit.

As you went through Parts 1 to 3 of this online guide, you may have noticed differences between your habits and the healthy ones suggested. As you start to make changes, first focus on a habit that you do every day. Or, think of a habit that you do many times a day. Changes to everyday habits are going to make a big difference, as they are repeated more.

Using the examples below, compare the impact of making changes to occasional habits versus making changes to everyday habits.

•  Example A: Change an occasional habit, such as choosing healthy snacks at the airport.

•  Example B: Change an everyday habit, such as having a glass of water with meals and snacks.

Breaking old habits is not easy. It takes more than willpower. It takes a plan.