Keep it simple, silly!

3 Simple strategies to get started on a healthy lifestyle

There is so much information out there regarding the “best” way to get healthy, lose weight, etc. The whole topic has become so overcomplicated that many people just don’t even know where to start or the information seems to get so overwhelming that they don’t even want to bother starting.

Today we are going to talk about a few SIMPLE strategies that can make a big impact on your overall health. I’ll warn you now that I’m not likely to tell you anything that you don’t already know here. My goal is to reinforce with you that the basics still work even when you’re hearing other overly complicated strategies.

Here we go:

1. MOVE YOUR BODY. That’s it.

Moving your body can mean SO many different things. It could mean taking regular walks or runs outside, it could mean doing yoga, having dance parties at home with your kids, it could be a fitness class, or lifting weights, maybe it’s walking on your treadmill while binging your favorite Netflix show. Even housework counts as movement! There is no right or wrong way to move your body, just move!

We’ve seen waistlines increase as the pandemic goes on with so many people working from home simply because there is so much less movement. Where people used to easily hit 7-8,000 steps per day walking to, from, and around inside of their office they are now lucky to get 2,000.

Try setting a timer for every 20-30 minutes to get up and move around. Maybe it’s just a bathroom break or just standing at your desk while on a call. Maybe you walk to get a cup of coffee or to visit a friend’s desk. These short breaks not only give your body a break from all of the sitting but it’s also a benefit for your eyes and brain.

2. Drink more water.

Aim for ½ of your bodyweight (in pounds) in ounces of water and add 15 ounces for every hour that you work out that day.

This is especially beneficial if you are able to swap high sugar or high calorie drinks for water – you’ll feel the benefits of being hydrated while also limiting unnecessary calories from your diet. Diet sodas and things aren’t the worst thing in the world for you but I still recommend limiting them as a general rule. Instead of cold turkey, try to drink less and less of them over the course of a couple weeks until they are a rare treat. When you’re drinking more water, I bet you will notice an improvement in your sleep, digestion, skin, and overall body functions.

3. Finally – the V word. Vegetables.

Steam them, roast them, or eat them raw – just eat them! In general, there’s such a love/hate relationship with vegetables but we can’t deny their health benefits. Just in the vitamins and minerals alone, vegetables take home a gold star for awesomeness.

Add vegetables to every meal and your body will thank you by feeling fuller longer, soaking up vitamins and minerals, and your digestion will improve.

Not sure how to make vegetables that you or the fam will enjoy? Start experimenting with different recipes and kitchen tools. For example, after trying a million different ways that were “ok” to cook our asparagus, we have found that if we spray them with a little olive oil, heat in the air fryer for a few minutes, then sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top, we will eat it all. Check out Pinterest for inspiration! I have a “veggies” board that you’re welcome to check out, steal ideas, and follow along: https://www.pinterest.com/mathandmacros/veggies/

So let’s wrap this up:

1. Move more.

2. Drink more water.

3. Eat your vegetables.

That’s it! Start here and get super consistent with these habits. Once you’re feeling better, you can then add in some more things like ways to improve sleep, lower stress, and add more protein. These small habits will add up huge over time – remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. And no matter what, JUST KEEP GOING!

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