Small Steps To A Healthier You

So many people put their health on the back burner because it can feel so overwhelming!

Nice home-cooked dinners every night? Seriously, who has time for that!

Work out or exercise for an seven days a week? Ummm…. Not gonna happen!

Lose twenty pounds by summer? Keep dreamin’!

Most of us are too busy and too stressed to make major changes to our entire lifestyle with a wave of a hand, but here’s the good news! Major changes in your life like that aren’t actually necessary to getting your life and health on track! Instead, start focusing on small little changes that you can incorporate one day at a time, which is not only more doable, but can be more beneficial and attainable for your every day lifestyle. Here are some easy changes you can make by taking a few Small Steps To A Healthier You:

Brighten Up Your Fridge

The first Small Step To A Healthier You is to load up on brightly colored fruits and veggies! My favorites are red and green peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, oranges etc. The brighter the color, the higher the level of disease-fighting antioxidants.

Be Your Own Inspiration

Try keeping a picture on your fridge of you at your healthiest. Use it as a Small Step To A Healthier You and as instant reminder of your goals and it can even help you avoid eating when you’re not hungry.

Eat What You Like, But Eat Less

One of the easiest ways of taking a Small Step To A Healthier You is eating what you like, but eating less of it. If you love pizza, or enjoy cake, enjoy a slice – but try sticking to one instead of over-indulging. And if you’re going to have a treat, go for your favorite. Wasting calories on something you only sort of like will only leave you unsatisfied, and probably in search of another snack!

Plan For That Afternoon Slump

Hunger strikes in the afternoon, and if you’re like me, you know the hunger is real! Instead of reaching for that coke or candy bar, try taking this Small Step To A Healthier You and eat a snack that combines protein and fiber. You can try apple slices with cheese, oatmeal with almonds, or try my favorite meal replacement shake that is quick and easy (and 20 grams of protein). Click here to learn more.

Downsize Fast Food

This doesn’t mean giving up on your favorite fast food and saying goodbye to fries or shakes! Taking this Small Step To A Healthier You just means making them an occasional treat, and take your usual order down a size. Going from a large to medium fries saves 190 calories and 10 grams of fat.

Stop Worrying About “Wasted” Food

This is so hard for me to say being a mom, and not letting food go to waste. But this Small Step To A Healthier You may be one of the hardest. Try not to eat the food your kids leave on their plate and don’t convince yourself that you’re “saving” food from the garbage by eating it. Instead, think of it as “rescuing” your health by throwing unwanted food in the trash. If you really think your kids will eat it, try saving it for them in the fridge so it won’t go to waste. Make sure you’re saving it for them, and not for you to eat later.

Stick To Your List

I am probably the worst at following this, but to prevent impulse buying at the grocery store, make sure you carefully plan out your list before going, and stick to the list! This may seem like a simple Small Step To A Healthier You but make sure you vow to stick to the list. Don’t shop hungry (I’m guilty of this) and try checking for specials on things you need before going to avoid even more impulse buys!

Stop Drinking Calories

Start counting beverage calories as “extra” calories. Try swapping regular cokes for coke zero (sprite zero etc.) Or if you are just drinking the coke because you like the carbonation, try LaCroix Sparkling Water, Bubly Sparkling Water, or Spindrift Sparkling Water. If you love your morning coffee like me, instead of ordering a latte, try swapping it for a “skinny latte” with almond milk or an Americano (hot or iced). Who knows, this Small Step To A Healthier You could result in a pound-per-week loss!

Schedule Exercise

Adding exercise to your “schedule” will make them must-dos, not maybes. Start by making at least two “appointments” for physical activity each week to work out. You can even try working out with a friend or join a fun workout class if your gym has opened back up! I try getting in at least 20 minutes of movement a day to help me reach my Small Steps To A Healthier You goals. You can also check out my Free Beginners Guide To Working Out here!

Count Your Blessings

Taking a few moments each day to acknowledge the blessings in your life is one way to start feeling good and having positive emotions each day. Positive emotions have been linked with better health, longer life, and greater well-being and are great way to build your own Small Steps To A Healthier You. I personally start each day with about 10-15 affirmations that begin with I am so thankful and grateful for… and fill in the rest with my blessings.

Please note: Some of the Resources may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission, no extra charge to you, of course! As Always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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