Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a collection of small healthy habit that are formed over time. Over time, those small habits create a healthy lifestyle.

Time, money, motivation, family. The excuses and barriers to creating a healthy lifestyle are endless. I totally understand that planning and preparing meals every night can be exhausting,  and that squeezing in another hour of sleep may seem impossible. But, that does not mean it’s not important and that you shouldn’t try.  Changing your ways is difficult, but your health is worth it. Once you start, there will be no stopping you.

One Healthy Habit At A Time

It is actually easier than you think to improve your health. The trick is to take it one small change at a time.  When you succeed at a goal, it gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride.  That feeling is what leads you to making more positive steps.  Once your new healthy habit is part of your daily or weekly routine, pick another, then another.  Little by little, your healthy habits turn into a new healthy lifestyle. Continue to build until you no longer recognize yourself.  Soon, your family and friends will be asking you for healthy advice.

Healthy Habits Toward Creating A Healthy Lifestyle

Sign Up For A Local Fitness Event

Signing up for a community race might seem intimidating, but remember, every single person was a beginner at one time. Signing up for a fitness event is a great way to hold yourself accountable. And, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people who can keep you motivated to move. Think about the sense of accomplishment you’ll have when you cross the finish line.

Drink More Water

Most people know drinking water is important,  but still struggle to drink enough.  Set a small goal to wake up every morning and drink an 8 ounce glass of water.  Starting your day with a healthy habit will set you up for a successful day.

Move More

Starting a new exercise program can be intimidating, but you don’t have to join a gym to be active. By moving more, I mean getting up and living your life.  Instead of  laying around watching TV at night, do something.  Clean the floor, iron, wash dishes, or take a family stroll.  Increasing your leisure-time physical activity can make a huge difference in how you feel and it can heighten your energy level.  Plus, if you do some of your cleaning during the week, you’ll free up your weekends for fun.

Maintain A Clean Environment

When hunger hits, it’s hard to resist the gallon of ice cream in the freezer.  That’s why, keeping tempting treats in your pantry is setting yourself up for failure. To be successful, you have to stop buying low-nutrient foods that tempt you to eat more. Get it out of the house.  Fill your cabinets with healthy foods and snacks so that when hunger strikes you are ready. If you crave ice cream and really, really want it, drive to the store and buy a small cone.  Feed the craving without feeling defeated.

Eat More Fruits And Vegetables

Loading up on more fruits and vegetables is a goal most people will benefit from – even if you already eat a lot. They are the nutrient-dense foods filled with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber. If you don’t eat any, set a goal to eat at least one serving a day. If you already eat a serving a day, set a goal to eat 3 servings. Keep going until you are eating the recommended 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Cut Back On Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Notice I did not say eliminate.  That’s because, building a healthy lifestyle is not about extreme behavior – it’s about making small changes.  If you currently drink 3 cups of juice every day, cut back to 4 ounces a day.  If soda is your weakness, allow yourself 12 ounces 2x/week.  Keep cutting back on your intake until you don’t feel like you need it at all.

These are just a few healthy habits you can do toward creating a healthy lifestyle. There are loads of ways work toward wellness. As you adopt new healthy habits, make sure to reward your success.

Have you swapped any of your unhealthy habits for a better choice? Share it in the comments below.

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