What’s it going to take?
In the United States, there are over 130 million people suffering from chronic conditions caused by lack of nutrition, lack of exercise and too much stress.
What’s it going to take to get ourselves and our country back on track? Strict dieting and extreme exercise? Not likely.
Research shows that complicated fad diets and time consuming exercise programs may be helpful for reaching short term weight loss goals, but 7 out of 10 people return to old habits stating that the intense approach was unrealistic with busy schedules and small budgets. Sound familiar?
Basic Lifestyle Changes
Good news! Research also shows that people who incorporate a few basic lifestyle changes into their daily routine, and follow them 80% of the time, achieve improved health, happiness and weight loss longer term.
What are those key changes? Eating more nutritious foods such as veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean proteins, water and healthy fats; exercising at least 30 minutes per day any way that you like including walking briskly, and simply taking a few minutes to rest and reduce stress.
How to Get Going
The best way to get started is to write down the reasons why you want to be healthy such as having more energy to be more active with your family. It’s easier to stay committed to long-term success when you know the prize!
Next, write down a few simple changes you can make immediately such as making time for a healthy breakfast instead of grabbing processed foods on the go.
Celebrating your progress along the way is a must. We are motivated to keep going if we feel good about ourselves. Doing something that you love to do but never make time for is a great way to celebrate your wellness efforts, even it it’s just for 5 minutes.
Why Not Try?
With this easy 80/20 approach, you still have room for the foods you love 20% of the time so you won’t feel deprived. It may also be easier to stick with an exercise routine that doesn’t seem so extreme.
What if better health could be this realistic and within your budget? Why not give it a try and see how you do?
This article was originally published in my newsletter, where I share more tips and inspiration for health, happiness and success. Subscribe now and receive a copy of my 5 Step Morning Routine for Thriving so you can create your day for success!
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