Today is the perfect time to be setting new goals and starting a healthy lifestyle. So if you’re looking to start a new healthy lifestyle and you’re not yet exactly sure how you will do that, just keep reading. You don’t have to force yourself to produce dramatic results overnight! Start with minor changes and enjoy the process!
YOUR JOURNEY TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IS A COMMITMENT
Don’t expect results to happen right away. Big changes happen in small steps. As long as you stay focused on your health goal and keep at it, you're on the right track. It's ok if you miss a workout or cheat on a meal once in a while. The important thing is to keep the big picture in mind and enjoy the journey. Eventually, it will become a habit to eat and live a healthy lifestyle!
TIP #1: CUT OUT PROCESSED FOODS
Go to your kitchen and get rid of all processed and junk foods. Instead, fill your fridge with natural snacks like fruits and vegetables to make smoothies or juices. Nuts are another great, healthy snack. The key thing is to eat a variety of natural foods so your body gets all the nutrients it needs.
TIP #2: REPLACE SODA WITH TEA OR CARBONATED WATER
Soda is full of sugar and additives. So ditch the pop for tea or carbonated water. You’ll feel more energetic as your blood sugar levels stabilize.
TIP #3: STAY HYDRATED
Our bodies are mostly water, and dehydration can lead to loss of focus, tiredness, decreased athletic performance and a host of other issues, so it's important to stay hydrated. Some sources recommend drink at least eight cups of water a day, but many health professionals say that as long as you remember to drink when you're feeling thirsty, you'll keep your body properly hydrated. Water with a slice of fruit is a perfect pick me up when you're thirsty!
TIP #4: PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
Being healthy goes beyond being in top physical shape. Your emotional and mental health are equally important to your overall well-being. Meditating, journaling, and walking in nature are great ways to boost mindfulness and improve your outlook. And the better you feel, the more motivated you'll be to maintain your healthy habits.
TIP #5: PLAN AHEAD
Regular exercise not only shapes how your body looks, but it helps relieves stress and produces feel-good hormones in your body. So, plan your workout the night before by packing your workout clothes and visualizing how good you'll feel once you complete your workout.
TIP #6: GET A GOOD NIGHT’S REST
Sleep is absolutely critical to good health. This is when your body and brain clears toxins, and your muscles, tendons and bones recuperate from a workout. If possible, build good sleep habits by going to bed around the same time every night and waking up at the same time in the morning. Also, try to avoid using any screens (yes, that includes your phone) at least one hour prior to bedtime. Even with 'night mode' options, the light in the screen can confuse your bodies internal clock and disrupt restful sleep. Instead, find a good book to unwind at the end of the day.
TIP #7: DO SOMETHING YOU ACTUALLY ENJOY AND GET MOVING
The most important thing to remember when creating a habit of a healthy lifestyle is to do something that you love to do. You won’t be simply able to stick to your routine if you’re doing something that you don’t enjoy. So figure out what you like and find what works for you and do what works for you – the healthy way!
TIP #8: MAKE YOUR OWN FOOD.
If you make your own food, you know what’s in it. You know that you’re not eating processed foods, and you'll enjoy the food more because you made it. You can look recipes online to help you get started.
TIP #9: READ THE LABELS
When you’re buying your groceries, make sure to check the labels, not just calories. Avoid foods high in sodium or saturated fat. An easy way to do this is to always 'shop the edges' of the grocery store. This is usually where all the fruits, vegetables, fish and meats are located. Stay away from the center aisles that are filled with overly processed foods. And when you read a label, keep it simple. If your grandmother couldn't understand what an ingredient is, don't eat it.
BONUS TIP: GET EXCITED
Establish why you want to start a healthy lifestyle. Why do you want to change? Are you doing it for your mental health? Are you doing it because you want to feel physically better? Try to frame it in a positive way. So instead of saying 'I feel fat,' say 'I want to be the best version of myself.' Staying positive and optimistic can help build a mindset that will fuel your commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
So what are you waiting for? Start your journey now!
BRI Nutrition LLC,1460 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
