When you set goals for healthy living, it’s normal to start out feeling highly motivated and then lose steam. Whether it’s your diet, fitness, emotional well-being, or all of the above, setting big goals with the expectation of significant results sometimes sets us up for failure. The trick is to break down those bigger goals, like weight loss, into small actions you take daily. These small daily choices will help you reach big health goals, and Anne El Bey approves.
Make Eating Enjoyable
Many people think of healthy eating as a burden that takes the fun out of food. Instead of dieting or thinking about food in terms of deprivation, think about how you can make minor changes for a healthier way of approaching food. One trick is to focus on what you can eat, not what you can’t. What are your favorite fruits, vegetables, and snacks with “good” fats like nuts and avocado? Remind yourself that you can eat as many of those right foods as you want! Try new recipes to spice them up so you truly enjoy eating.
As part of a more holistic view on eating right, it’s also good to learn about what’s going on in your gut. The microbiome comprises good microbes like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These good microbes play a significant role in several of your body’s essential functions, including digestion, maintaining a healthy immune system, and good mental health. It’s easy to keep your microbiome in balance (and support your overall health) by eating probiotic foods or taking a probiotic supplement.
Take Your Fitness Outside
One mistake some people make when attempting big fitness goals is to focus only on their gym work. Your work with a trainer is essential to reach those goals, but don’t stop there. Look for ways you can squeeze in extra activity daily. Whenever you have the opportunity, take a walk outside. It can be a short walk around your neighborhood or a weekend hike. Either way, being outdoors while engaging in a little extra fitness gives you a double dose of happiness.
Yoga is another activity that many people practice to care for their mental health. Even if you don’t have time for an hour-long yoga class, try starting your day with a quick yoga session at home. Doing this daily will help you develop strength and flexibility while reducing stress at the same time. A mat is the only equipment you need for your practice.
If you need to stay motivated about your new fitness routine, try a smartwatch (the Samsung Galaxy Watch3, for instance). It helps you stay on top of your activity levels and vitals without the need to carry your phone around while working out.
Health is Holistic
It’s crucial to realize various factors determine your overall health. One of the best small steps you can take is to ensure you have the right health coverage. It is key to ensuring you always meet your medical needs since plans change from year to year. Many plans don’t include dental and vision care, even though they are essential to your overall health. Add coverage to cover all bases.
Some plans, especially those via Medicare Advantage or corporate insurance packages, provide perks, like free access to fitness centers or discounts on wellness programs. Regardless of your age or stage of life, taking full advantage of your insurance by getting preventive healthcare is the number one way to stay healthy.
Give Mindfulness a Try
Mindfulness may not sound like a healthy living goal in how diet and exercise are, but it may surprise you how much it can benefit your mental well-being and keep you on track with other wellness goals. Practicing mindfulness involves being more aware of the present moment, whatever that may be. Mind-Body Green recommends injecting mindfulness into your day in small ways, such as chewing slowly to enjoy your meal and slowing down to appreciate life.
The significant thing about mindfulness is that it helps you enjoy everything in life more−from the little things like flowers in bloom to bigger things, like appreciating your fitness journey. These small steps work together to get you closer to reaching those big goals. Doing small steps every day makes you feel better right away, so you don’t have to wait to see and feel the results!
Conclusion
Enjoy your meals while making healthier choices. Focus on what you can eat, and choose from your favorite fruits, vegetables, and snacks. Try exercising outdoors instead of indoors, such as taking long walks while enjoying nature. Make sure you have the right health coverage. Some plans like Medicare Advantage have perks, such as access to fitness and wellness centers. Discounts are available too. When you have conscious or healthy thoughts, it goes a long way. It helps you appreciate life more.