I’m all for resolutions or goals for living a healthier lifestyle, but it seems that by February, a lot of those intentions go out the window. It’s taken me years to realize why, but I’ve found (at least with me personally), it’s because I’m trying to change too much at once.
Never eating bread again isn’t going to happen, and same with working out every single day. In reality, it’s all about small changes that don’t feel like life is completely changing or add up to simple habits. So, here are 5 ways to be healthier without actually trying too hard:
Adding lemon to your water
If you aren’t adding lemon to your water by now, start! Not only does it improve flavor and get me to drink more, but lemons are energizing, detoxifiying for the liver, and good for your skin. I cut up a handful of lemons a week and put them in a bowl in the fridge. Then I grab a slice and squeeze it into my water bottle to start the day. Easy!
Premade smoothies
Before I got in my now daily habit of putting together a smoothie, I was alllll about premade ones. (I went from a grabbing a banana before leaving the house to a smoothie for breakfast, so I wanted something just as quick.) And honestly, I still use premade ones a few days a week when I don’t have time or effort to put one together. My favorite brand is Thrive! and I love that there’s a variety of options depending on what you need (hello Energy on Monday mornings or Defend during cold season).
Consider walking
Next time you’re heading to the coffee shop or going from one store to another during errands, consider walking instead. Or if you’re in a big parking lot, don’t drive in between each store – walk! I had the worst habit of driving to the Starbucks that’s literally 1.2 miles from my house most mornings, and now I walk when I have time. You’re still doing your same routine, but adding movement in.
Set limits on stagnant time
I love TV. It’s one of my favorite ways to unwind, and between reality TV (don’t judge!) and what Netflix is pouring out, there are so many great options to watch nightly. But instead of aimlessly spending 3-4 hours a night in front of the TV, think about consciously watching. I usually watch it for an hour or two a night now, never more, and feel so much better. I spend the extra hour or so on self care, going to bed earlier, or prepping work (aka my mind) for the next day. Overall, it feels incredibly healthy – and I still get my TV fix! You could do the same with limiting your social media time too if that’s your crutch.
Make one swap a week
This aligns well with resolutions and the overall idea of living a healthier life without changing things too drastically – swapping one unhealthy thing for a healthy once a week. That’s it! Instead of overhauling your entire pantry and wasting a ton of food, focus on one thing at a time. Don’t even try to do more. Maybe you make the switch from white to whole wheat bread. Or from wine to kombucha for weeknight meals. Or 5 extra minutes of stretching before bed.
Down to try?
17 comments
Thanks for these great tips. While I’m doing great at walking to places, I’m not doing so well with managing screen time, so that’s one easy change to incorporate. 🙂
http://www.sweethelengrace.com
I love this post! Subtle changes are the best instead of trying to do it all at once, then feeling like a failure because you don’t complete them all. I think I’ll work on conscious consuming, I love that!
// thefeliciarenee.com
I love this! Subtle changes are so much better than trying to do it all at once and feeling like a failure when you don’t complete everything. I think I’m going to start working on conscious consuming.
// thefeliciarenee.com
I love that tip for consciously watching TV (or scrolling through social media)! I tend to do a few different things at the same time, because I feel like I do not have enough time, yet I noticed that if I really just sit down and watch that one episode of a TV show I want to see than I find this far more relaxing and entertaining than watching three in a row, but cooking, doing laundry and cleaning my apartment at the same time!
Thanks so much for sharing!
xx Janine
https://walkinmysneaks.blogspot.com/
The Thrive product is a great concept but many of the fruits used are on the EWG Dirty Dozen list. The fruit they use is not listed as organic. Do you know if it is?
I won’t let conventional fruit in my house with the exception of bananas and citrus.
A swap a week is definitely something I can keep up with!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
love these tips!
chevrons & éclairs
I love these tips!
http://www.oliviaschueller.com
The lemon water is such a good one! I have hot lemon water each night before bed and love it. Also the consciously watching less tv and prioritising time for self care is something I’m trying to focus on more.
http://www.madeinthe1990s.co.uk
This is really helpful! I like that these things can have quite an impact and yet they don’t seem hard to achieve at all !
Lucie,
http://thefrenchpier.blogspot.com/
I’ve been trying to drink more water and have actually started prepping smoothies into ziplocs and putting them in the freezer! makes it so easy. GOod post!
I’ve been trying to drink more water and have actually started prepping smoothies into ziplocs and putting them in the freezer! makes it so easy. GOod post!
I love the idea of one swap a week, then you wont notice the change as much! Definitely going to give this a go!
Chloe X http://www.chloelxuise.com/
I LOVE lemon water! It convinces me to drink more water without trying too hard. Subtle changes are much better than cold turkey changing overnight. I also love the idea of making a swap every week. I love this!
xo, Victoria
Adding lemon to your water is a great tip! I know its recommended a lot but I always find that if I do it too often my teeth hurt. Has anyone else noticed this?
Naima | http://www.sincerelynaima.com
Adding lemon to your water may make it taste better, but it really isn´t good for your teeth! The citrus acid melts the enamel and can cause serious damage. One glass a day is fine, but if you drink lemonwater throughout the day, you are hurting your teeth.
Love the other tips tough!
I loved your simple tips. I personally find it really hard to make healthy changes and I always try and start simple but never stick to it lol
https://www.lauralizabella.com