With a new year comes resolutions and for most folks that means “losing weight” or “getting healthy”. I’m not much into resolutions – change can happen any day we decide we want it to! But I am into getting healthier. For the past three years (pretty much since I turned 30) a yearly goal of mine has been to create healthier habits. One thing that I’ve learned about living healthier is that small steps work best. Losing weight or eating better works better when it’s incorporated as small lifestyle changes rather than big, dramatic shifts. Here are some ways to get to a healthier you!
Focus on one change at a time
One reason why diets don’t work is because it can be taking on too much at once. It’s like system overload! Habits take time to build so pick one to focus on for a week or two before adding on another. For example, one of my goals is to cut down on carbs (I know, who wants to give up carbs!). Instead of giving up carbs completely, which is a surefire way to eat nothing but carbs, I’m focusing on making one meal a day carb-free. Overtime, I can increase that goal without feeling deprived.
Find an activity you love
Lets face it – as much as we don’t want to, part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle means exercise. But that doesn’t mean you have to be in a gym. Exercising is anything that gets your body moving and heart pumping. If you absolutely hate going to a gym – don’t! There are plenty of other ways to get moving. I love running so when the weather is nice, you can find me outside almost every day getting a run in. Find a class like Barre or Pilates or even dancing! Go for a walk or take up yoga. It doesn’t matter what it is, just find something you love and get moving. You only need 30 minutes a day – and yes commercial breaks during your fav TV show count!
Moderation is key
After I turned 30, but especially after I had Stokely, my body just has not been the same. And while I’ve always been naturally thin and may not look like I need to do anything about my body to most people, for me, it’s not where I want it to be. But one thing I absolutely REFUSE to do is cut out the things I love to eat – bread, pasta, sweets, you know, good food. But, in an effort to not let myself get out of control, I’ve learned that moderation is key. For example, I love drinking Pepsi and would drink them everyday if I could. I also know that soda is terrible for you. So I don’t keep any in the house and only drink a bottle when I do our bi-weekly grocery shopping. I haven’t cut out Pepsi completely but allow myself an indulgence so I don’t feel deprived.
Living healthier isn’t a quick fix type of thing. It takes dedication and work. But with a little focus you’ll start to notice those small changes really add up! Grab this FREE monthly habit tracker and get ready to work on a healthier you! I’ll be cheering you on!
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