People continually create situations that impact their eating choices without their knowing it. If you serve your friends a buffet of nachos, chicken wings, pizza, and beer, it’s guaranteed that they will stuff themselves into inebriated bliss. But if you serve that same group of friends a healthy salad, bowls of fruit and sparkling water, they will eat much healthier.

When given a choice, many people will choose a less-healthy alternative. But if choices are limited, or unhealthy choices are less convenient, behavior can be guided toward healthier options.

To make a healthy environment for yourself, start at home. Do a pantry sweep at least once a month. Throw out anything that contains trans fats. Put the brownie mix and bag of pretzels on a higher shelf. Lose the candy dish. And keep a bowl of fresh fruit front and center. Make losing weight convenient. Build living and work spaces that reinforce your goals and render unhealthy choices harder to make.