7 Simple Lifestyle Changes for A Healthier You

The path to a healthy lifestyle has plenty of obstacles that attempt to steer you off track. The chocolate sitting in the cupboard calling your name, the comfortable couch, and the next episode of Masterchef. It’s no easy feat to reach your goals and make lasting changes, but there are some simple steps you can take to get you in the right mind frame:

1. Think of food as fuel

You wouldn’t put vegetable oil into your car and expect it to run properly (right?!). Fuelling your body with the wrong foods will leave you feeling sluggish. The quality, quantity and frequency of the foods you choose to eat will have a significant impact in maintaining a healthy weight – more so than exercise. Keep your body fuelled with a range of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts and seeds to ensure it performs at it’s best.

Image: The Fit Foodie Instagram @thefitfoodieblog

2. Set a schedule for your workouts

These aren’t optional. Setting appointments with yourself  give you chance to form great habits. Pick a few workouts you love (such as yoga, swimming, skipping) and put them in your weekly calendar on repeat.

Getting enough rest has a massive impact on your health and wellbeing. Set a bedtime, turn off the lights out and get comfy.  Getting into a proper sleep schedule will boost your energy and overall mood. But if you struggle to make the right sleep habits and want to begin prioritising your sleep, then the Lifehackerguy recommends a sleep tracker called the Oura ring – you can check out his posts on LifeHackerGuy.com.

4. Ditch your self-doubt

I takes a lot of hard work and dedication to maintain healthy lifestyle choices. You have to trust the process. Some days you will feel like you’re making zero progress, but don’t ever give up on what you’ve set out to do – you WILL get there. To get something you’ve never had, you’ve got to do something you’ve never done.

5. Use weights to lose weight

One of the most effective methods of changing your overall body composition is to incorporate strength training into your workouts. The more muscle you have, the more fat you will burn (even at rest). It’s almost impossible as women to get ‘big’, so toss out this myth and learn to lift.

Image: The Fit Foodie Instagram @thefitfoodieblog

6. Don’t take shortcuts

I hate to break it to you, but there really is no such thing as a quick fix. The most successful road is the longest, but also the most rewarding. You’ll develop amazing life-long habits on your journey that will stay with you for life. Enjoy it!

7. Be kind to yourself

You are human and you will mistakes, frequently. It’s called life. Take a deep breath, smile, forgive yourself and let it go.

About the author: The Fit Foodie (aka Sally O’Neil), is on a mission to prove that healthy and nutritious doesn’t have to be boring – and that even while staying in shape you can have your cake and eat it too. Sally can be found sharing her delicious recipes, wellness tips and workouts at www.the-fit-foodie.com.