Making a Lifestyle Change: Where Do You Get the Motivation?

If you're like many Americans you chose January 1 as a time to make a number of positive lifestyle changes. Maybe you've decided to exercise more, cut back on caffeine, lose weight, stop smoking or using alcohol and more.

There, in itself, might be the problem. Unhealthy behaviors develop over a period of time, so changing those behaviors require time and energy. To improve your success, focus on one change at a time.

"If you make one small change you will have an 85% chance of success, but it drops to 33% if you make two or more changes," says Personal Trainer Chris Powell.

Here are some other tips:

Make a plan that will stick. If you want to exercise more, write down your plan. Detail the time of day when you can walk, where you will walk and how long you will walk.

Start Small. Break down larger goals into smaller tasks that are more manageable and able to be measured. If you want to lose 20 pounds in the next five months, set a short term goal of losing one pound a week.

Involve a buddy. Telling someone your goal and having them share your struggles and success makes the work easier. Ask a friend, co-worker or family member to share the journey with you.

Sheet Pan Fajitas

Sheet pan dinners are the latest cooking trend making for a quick and easy meal in under an hour. Endless combinations are possible. Just choose your protein and favorite vegetable and seasoning combinations.

Evenly slice:

1 lb chicken breasts
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 yellow pepper
1 onion - halved and cut in slices

Combine:

2 T olive oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
Pinch of chili flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Toss chicken, veggies and oil mixture together on a large rimmed sheet pan lined with foil or parchment paper. Spread out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked and the veggies are soft with a crispy edge. Serve with tortillas, sour cream, cheese, avocado and salsa.

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