Tips To Help Make Health Your Lifestyle
Sometimes it might not feel like it, but remember that you’re not alone in your journey to better health…
There are so many of us out there endeavouring to adopt a healthier approach to what we eat and how we live our lives. Me included! Even though I’m a qualified nutrition and lifestyle coach, I hear or read things every day that make me think I could be doing things better… smarter… cleaner. But I’ve found that a happy life is actually about balance.
So contrary to what some may think, I don’t strive to be perfect with my diet and lifestyle, and sometimes give in to temptations. Over time, adopting a ‘healthy way of life’ has become easier. Partly because practice makes (not quite) perfect and partly because I’ve learned a lot of great tips along the way.
Here are just a few which can help you stick to a healthier way of eating and lifestyle:
Start with realistic expectations - This increases your chances of maintaining healthy behaviours
Focus on what really motivates you - When you’re tempted to indulge remembering what motivates you can help you stay on track
Keep unhealthy foods out of the house - Or at least out of sight, so as to increase your chances of staying on track
Don't take an 'all or nothing' approach - Rejecting the urge to judge your day as good / bad can prevent you from overeating and making poor choices
Keep healthy snacks - Take healthy, high-protein snacks to balance your blood sugar when you’re out and about in case you’re unable to eat for more than a max of 3-4 hours
Up the ante on activity and change diet at the same time - Simultaneously increasing movement and changing the way you eat increases your chance of success as they help to reinforce each other
Have a game plan before eating out - Preparing your mindset before you go helps you make healthier choices
Don’t let travelling derail your aspirations - All it takes is a bit of research, planning, and commitment
Track & monitor your progress to promote motivation and accountability - Studies show that it helps you stick to a healthy diet and may aid greater weight loss
Don’t do it alone - Having a partner /friend join you in making healthy diet and lifestyle changes can increase your chances of success
Start the day with a high-protein breakfast - This provides a ‘second-meal’ effect, helping you stay full and preventing overeating later in the day
Realise that it takes time to change habits - On average, it takes 66 days to make a new habit
Figure out what works for you - Methods that work for some may not work well or be right for you. Find realistic and effective strategies that are sustainable for you long term
