Establishing a Healthy Lifestyle

If you really want to make a change, then let’s start together. I won't lie to you, it's not going to be easy. Establishing a healthy lifestyle is a common goal, but it's not always clear where to begin. The first step is to believe you can make any change you want. Commitment is key, and it will take a huge commitment to living a healthier lifestyle, but in the end it’ll be worth it. All it takes are small adjustments within your diet and exercise until you’re on track towards a healthy lifestyle.

Here are some steps to help you get started!

Set Realistic Goals
To make a permanent change, start by writing down your short-term and long-term goals, then write down your plan on how you will achieve your goals. No matter what it may be, setting specific, realistic goals are going to help you see the progress that you’re making and it will also help you stay motivated. Remember to start small with your goals before gradually making them more difficult. Someone’s small goals might be “consuming more water” or “adding fruit into their diet”, before gradually setting larger goals. With goal accomplished, be proud of yourself, and use it as motivation progressing forward.

Nutritional Habits
Good nutrition can form the necessary foundation towards cultivating a healthy lifestyle. It's not always easy to change dietary habits, but starting slow and setting small, attainable goals can help make the transition less overwhelming. Start filling your fridge with healthy choices, one at a time if you need to. Over time, eating healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole grains will become second nature. As you fill your fridge with these foods, slowly remove junk foods like candy, soda, cookies, etc.

Exercise
Start incorporating exercise into your weekly routine. You should aim for at least 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day. Exercise burns calories and fat while building muscle and bone strength.  It’ll also help release hormones called endorphin's, which will trigger a positive feeling in the body. Exercise will also help reduce stress, boost your energy level, strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of many diseases including heart disease, stroke and several chronic illnesses. Start by walking just 10 minutes a day and continue to increase the duration and intensity of your exercise sessions.

Positivity
Honestly there are going to be some days where you will have no desire to be physically active and you might want to give up, but don’t! Stay positive and remember why you started your journey. Once you start telling yourself you can’t, you probably are going to give up. Trying to change your habits won’t happen overnight and it’ll be challenging, but as long as you remind yourself of your goals, it will keep you from straying from your journey.