4 Tips to Break the TV Habit

To help manage your body weight, reduce the amount of time you spend being sedentary. This includes time spent in front of a screen – including watching television, playing video games, and using the computer. Most people can’t change how much time they spend on the computer for work or school, but you can decrease your screen time during other times of the day and on the weekend.

Healthy Tip 1. Track how much time you spend in front of a screen. Log the number of hours you spend in a week (outside of work or school) watching television, playing video games, or using the computer.

Healthy Tip 2. Develop a screen time budget.
Set a goal to reduce screen time. Plan to watch shows you’d like to see. Write down a few options of things you could do instead of watching television, like taking a walk around the block, gardening, or playing with your dog.

Healthy Tip 3. Use the time you watch television to be physically active.
Walk in place (or on a treadmill) while watching your favorite shows, or do jumping jacks during commercials.

Healthy Tip 4. Limit eating while watching television.
Many people overeat when watching television because they aren’t thinking about what they are eating – they stop eating when the bowl or bag is empty, instead of when they have had enough! If you choose to eat while watching television, portion out a small amount.

Article courtesy of www.ChooseMyPlate.gov