Simple Ways to Live a Healthier Life

Each year, countless Americans make a goal to lose weight, but many never achieve that goal. Instead of focusing on fast results just for the sake of looking good, it’s best to commit to small, sustainable changes that will add up over time. You do not have to wait until the New Year to make goals for yourself. You can start making changes at any time, and you’re more likely to stick to your plans when you don’t feel like you’re depriving yourself of the foods you love. Here are some of the top ways to make a healthy difference in your life.

Start Using an App

When you are aware of how much you’re moving, it can be a big motivator to get moving even more. Using a wearable fitness monitor that gently reminds you that it’s time to exercise can be a small investment that pays off big time. If you’re not interested in purchasing a wearable, an app can be a great compromise. Make yourself a promise to check the app every day, and you’re sure to start seeing results in just a few weeks.


*Amanda- I love the app Endomondo and using my Fitbit!
 

 Find Alternatives to Your Favorite Foods

If you love foods that are high in cholesterol like mayo and cookie dough, you don’t need to give them up completely. Hampton Creek offers eggless mayo and cookie dough that are responsibly and sustainably produced, so you can cut down on cholesterol while feeling good about your impact on the environment. Similarly, if you’re used to eating cereal with milk for breakfast every day, you can switch it to something like oatmeal with peanut butter for more fiber and protein.
 
Only Eat Animal Products on Certain Days of the Week

Perhaps start with adopting Meatless Monday, and slowly work your way up to only eating meat, eggs, and dairy a few times per week. Eating more plant-based foods can be a healthy option for both your health and the environment, and there are plenty of delicious and easy-to-prepare vegetarian or vegan recipes that the whole family will enjoy.


 Introduce More Fibrous Foods to Your Diet

If you’re always finding your stomach grumbling in the middle of the day, make sure to add more fiber into your diet. An easy way to do this is to eat a wholesome breakfast of oatmeal, and pack high-fiber snacks like berries to take with you to work or on the go. Hummus and vegetables is a great option.
 
Keep a Food Journal

Weight gain often happens as a result of not being mindful of what you’re eating. If you’re serious about getting healthier, consider keeping a food journal. It can be a small, pocket-sized notebook that you take with you everywhere, or you can use one of the many apps available. Being aware of what you’re eating and honest about it can help you take full responsibility for your health. Even when you have a “cheat day,” which is completely healthy and acceptable from time to time, looking at your past patterns can help motivate you to get back on track.
 

 Walk During Your Lunch Break
 
Sedentary lifestyles are not conducive to good health. If you work at a desk job, it’s of the utmost importance to take a break and get moving about once every hour, if possible. Even if you just take a short break to take a walk lap around the building, you’re improving your circulation and clearing your head so you can be more productive when you return to your desk.


*Amanda- I love walking for 30 minutes during my lunchtime at work for a healthy break to the day. It helps to relieve stress and gets me out of the building and away from my computer for a bit.
 

 Avoid Eating Out of Boredom or Emotions

Unfortunately, eating is a go-to response for many of us when we’re bored, sad, or in a celebrating mood. To resist the urge to eat out of boredom, try to recognize the urge as soon as it starts and find a way to entertain yourself by picking up a book, going for a short walk, or tidying your work area or home. Similarly, if you’re feeling down, try exercising to lift your mood naturally.

Tell Yourself You Can Do This

If you’ve been trying to make positive changes for years but nothing has come of your efforts, it’s important to remind yourself that you are capable of sticking to your goals. By making these small changes, you won’t overwhelm yourself and feel defeated. Try not to judge yourself too harshly when things don’t go the way you planned, and remember that nothing is off limits. Everything can be part of a healthy diet in moderation.


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