The phrase “healthy lifestyle” is an abbreviated definition of how you should live if you want to live a vibrant, active life with a healthy body and healthy mind. Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to mean drastic changes. Making gradual small changes to your diet and activity habit can have a big impact. Let’s walk you through a few steps you could take in the right direction.

Increase Physical Activity

You can start the process of being healthy and now by adding a little more activity to your life. If you’re not ready for a structured program, start small. Every little bit counts and it all adds up to burning more calories. Here’s how;

  • Increase Daily Steps: Look for small ways to walk more. When you get the mail, take a walk around the block, take the dog for an extra outing each day, or walk on your treadmill for five minutes before getting ready for work. When you’re on the phone, pace around or even do some cleaning while gabbing. This is a great way to stay moving while doing something you enjoy
  • Do Some Chores: Get housework done and increase daily movement at the same time. Shoveling snow, working in the garden, raking leaves, sweeping the floor—these kinds of activities may not be vigorous exercise, but they can keep you moving while getting your house in order.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet is another part of a healthy lifestyle. Not only can a nutritious diet help with weight management but it can also improve your health and quality of life as you get older.

You that it is recommended that you eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer processed foods. You probably have a list of things you know you should do for a healthier diet but, again, making too many changes at once can backfire. Going on a restrictive diet may make you crave the very foods you’re trying to avoid.​

Another approach is to look for ways to make smaller changes each day. Just a few ideas for changing how you eat include:

  • Cut back on sugary beverages. It’s easy to consume excess sugar and calories in the beverages that you drink. Sugary sodas, sweetened teas, juice drinks, and high-calorie coffee drinks can easily eat up your daily recommended allowance of added sugars. Consider drinking plain water or water flavored with fresh fruit or herbs. It’s a great way to stay hydrated and still get a burst of flavor.
  • Eat low-fat or fat-free dairy. Switching to skim milk or fat-free yogurt is another simple way to eat fewer calories without having to change too much in your diet.
  • Eat more fruit. Add it to your cereal, salads, dinners, or make it a dessert. The fruit is also a great snack after work or school to keep you going for dinner.

Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to mean drastic changes. You may adapt to change better when it doesn’t require you to overhaul your entire life. Just pick one thing and work on that one thing every day, letting the rest of your life and habits stay the same.

Overall, it doesn’t matter why you start. All that matters is that you keep going.

We are rooting for you!