You want to live a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes it seems like being healthy is a constant tough battle. But what if living a healthy life was as easy as ABC?

It can be with these easy steps:


The ABC of Living a Healthy Life


Avoid processed foods and artificial sweeteners. Become aware with the names of these ingredients (i.e. high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, etc.)

Breakfast. The most important meal to eat every day. Focus on fueling your body with whole grains, proteins, and fruit.

Colorful foods. Imagine that your plate is a blank canvas. Nobody wants to stare at an all-yellow canvas for a long time. Try to build your meals as colorful as possible using a variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Drink water. Our body needs water to function properly. Don't drink calories, drink water! If you don't like plain water, try adding some flavors to it by using fresh fruit and veggies like strawberries, cucumbers, mint, etc.

Eat seasonally. You'll get the most nutrients from your food because it's at its freshest point.

Farmer's markets. Visiting your local farmer's market will make eating seasonally easy. Talk to the farmers and get to know the vendors.

Go outside. Get some natural Vitamin D. This will boost energy and immune system!

Hire a health coach. Not only a health coach can help you focus on your goals, but they'll hold you accountable too!

Imagine your ideal self. Not so much about your ideal weight, but your ideal self. How you want to conduct yourself, what's important to you and how you'll make that an aim, what your ideal self will nurture your body for optimal health, etc.

Junk food cleanse. Go through your cupboards and fridge, and either remove all the junk food OR make a deal with yourself that when it runs out, you will not buy more.

Keep a food journal of what you eat. By doing this, you'll be able to see patterns of overeating, stress eating, etc. Also, another way to hold you accountable when you make that choice to have a healthier diet!

Lean proteins. Focus on proteins like ground beef, pork chops, chicken breast, turkey, eggs, and raw nuts. These will be the most helpful when it comes to energizing your body.

Meal plan. Plan your meals every week. Sit down for an hour or so each week and arrange your meals. This helps you stay on track and avoid having to come up with quick, possibly unhealthful meal options.

Nap when needed. Sometimes all that you need is a quick nap! This will give you a great lift of energy rather than reaching for an energy drink or more cups of coffee than you really need.

Omega-3s. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids moderate inflammation, combat depression and improve mood and memory. Try to focus on omega-3 fats from food instead of supplements. Excellent sources include salmon, tuna, walnuts, flax seeds, leafy greens and hemp seeds.

Pack your lunch. Regularly, when working in an office, it's easy to make too many trips to the nearest fast food join. Pack your lunch to keep it nutritious. 

Quit making excuses. There are so many excuses why being healthy may not be convenient, but start enumerating the reasons that you want to be healthy! No more excuses.

Reduce stress. Reduce your level of stress by meditating, finding your happy place, and taking time for yourself!

Share Your Goals. By doing so, all the people you tell are going to hold you liable.

Treat yourself (in moderation). Depriving yourself of things you want will work only for a short time. If you love chocolate, try to eat dark chocolate instead. Want some cake? Look online for tons of healthy variations of your favorite recipe.

Understand your cravings. Focus on what's causing them. Many times you can balance your cravings with something healthy. If you're craving chocolate, you may be low on magnesium. Then you can try eating nuts, seeds, fruits, or veggies to help this craving.

Vegan once a week. Try to go one day a week not eating animal proteins. It will force you to use some creativity at first, but after a month, it'll be very effortless to come up with meal ideas.

Whole food diet. Rather than trying the newest diet trend, concentrate on eating a whole food diet. This is a diet that comprises lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

eXercise. Exercising for 2.5 hours a week can be very beneficial for both your mind and body. Schedule your exercise in to your day to day schedule to make sure you don't skip it.

Yoga. If you're stressed, yoga is a great way to relax. You'll focus on breathing and keep your emotions in check.

ZZZZs. Get plenty of sleep! Try sleeping with the blinds open, rather than closed. When the sun starts to shine into your room, your brain will slow down its melatonin production and start producing adrenaline. Once your body starts producing adrenaline, your body will start waking up slowly, even before your alarm goes off.


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