How To Make The Transition Into A Healthier Lifestyle
Okay ladies honest question…How many times have you told yourselves that you’re going to start your diet? Don’t worry, this is a judgment free zone. We’ve all been there. I know I’m 100% guilty of saying that I’d start my diet(my last diet only lasted 20 minutes). It seems like sticking to your diet is almost impossible. I know exactly why we’re struggling and it’s quite obvious. We need to stop dieting. Dieting never works! Stop wasting your time dieting and focus on a healthy lifestyle instead.
Why do people go on diets?
Usually when people go on a diet, it’s temporary. It could be to lose weight for a trip, for the summer, or for a special event. After the occasion is over, it’s back to chowing down on all of our favorite foods that we know aren’t good for us. It’s all about your mindset ladies. Don’t exercise and eat healthy for the sake of losing weight. Eat healthy and exercise because it will make you feel good and give you much needed energy. I just started my fitness journey not too long ago so I’m no expert but I’ll tell you this, I feel so much better and my energy has increased drastically.
Why you should strive for a healthy lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle is not just about following a temporary diet or engaging in sporadic exercise routines. It is a holistic approach that encompasses various aspects of our lives, from our eating habits and physical activities to our mental and emotional well-being. It’s a journey that requires commitment, self-discipline, and a positive mindset. Now, let’s explore some ways that we can achieve a healthier and happier life.
Intermittent fasting
Maybe you’ve heard of this before but in case you haven’t, Intermittent fasting means that you don’t eat for a certain period of time each day or week. Some people fast for 8 hours and others may do 12. You can choose whatever time fits your schedule. It may seem like a long time but as long as you stay hydrated and eat some healthy snacks in between, you’ll be fine.
Limit carbs and sugar
My two favorite things in the world seem to hate me the most. I can’t help it, but as much as I love sweets and carbs, they’re not good for any of us. I have tried my hardest to eliminate sugar and carbs but it’s been a challenge. Instead of torturing myself, I’ve decided to limit them and only indulge on certain days in moderation. Just pick a day or two out of the week to eat a light dessert while continuing to eat healthy for the rest of the week.
No more cheat days
Cheat days are just an excuse to overindulge and ruin the progress that you’ve made. I don’t necessarily believe in cheat days but I do believe in cheat meals. A cheat meal is one meal where you eat something that’s not particularly healthy to satisfy your cravings. This is very similar to what I’ve stated above where you eat those types of foods in moderation no more than twice out of the week.
Stay Hydrated and Limit Sugary Beverages
You should stay hydrated and drink at least a gallon of water a day. Water has so many advantages. It contributes to healthy clear skin, more energy, and can help you lose weight. Water is essential for our overall health and well-being. Avoid sugary beverages like soda and energy drinks, as they add unnecessary calories and can negatively impact your health. If you crave some flavor, try infusing water with fresh fruits or herbs for a refreshing twist. Your body will thank you for the extra hydration and you will definitely see and feel the difference.
Nourish Your Body with Wholesome Foods
Opt for whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in nutrients and provide sustained energy throughout the day. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your weekly meals. Raw juices and fruit/vegetable smoothies can be a great way to cleanse your colon and contribute to weight loss. I’m slowly trying to get to the point where I can replace my morning coffee with a healthy smoothie to help me get my day started. They’re much more refreshing and they help flush the toxins out of your system. Pinterest has some good smoothie recipes for those of you who want to make your own smoothies.
Mindful workouts
When you’re first starting out, it can be a struggle hitting the gym. You don’t want to overdo it. Stick to light exercises and never go on an empty stomach. Grab some fruit or eat some oats before your workout to give you some energy. Once you get into a routine at the gym, then you can start doing more intense cardio but please..not all at once. We don’t want you passing out now. The key is to stay active and find ways to incorporate movement into your everyday life.
Motivation outfit
Motivation is the fuel that keeps us going on our healthy lifestyle journey. Find sources of inspiration that resonate with you. One of the ways that I like to stay motivated is shopping for new outfits. Sometimes, I see outfits and fall in love with them until I see that my size is unavailable. That’s never a good feeling. We all want to wear what we want and feel confident so I use that as a way to keep me motivated.
Prioritize sleep for optimal health
Getting enough quality sleep is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in our overall well-being. Many people brag about getting minimal sleep in this hustle culture but they don’t understand how much sleep could actually help. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to allow your body to repair and rejuvenate. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid electronic devices before bed, and create a sleep-friendly environment. Invest in a comfortable bed and set your thermostat at a comfy temperature.
Maintaining a positive mindset and manage stress
Practice self-care and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing exercises, journaling, or engaging in hobbies that help you unwind. Too much stress can lead to physical discomfort and possibly stress eating. The last we want to to do is stress eat. It can get addicting and it’s a very unhealthy way to cope with stress. Surround yourself with positive influences and a strong support system to keep you accountable. Remember to be kind to yourself and DO NOT compare yourself to others.
Set realistic goals and track your progress
Setting realistic goals is essential in maintaining long-term motivation and progress. Break down your journey into smaller, achievable milestones. Whether it’s losing a few pounds, running a marathon, or improving your flexibility, keep track of your progress to stay motivated and celebrate your achievements. I highly recommend using a good planner to help you keep track of your goals. A free planner is included when you subscribe to my newsletter so if you haven’t subscribed already, please do so and take advantage of that freebie💕 It’s totally worth it.
So what’s next?
Embarking on a healthy journey is a commitment to self-care and self-improvement. Create habits that support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate this path because it won’t be easy. Take the first step today and start embracing the joys and rewards of a wholesome and balanced life. For more tips on health and enhancing your mental well being, check out my post on how to improve your mental health in 30 days.
