Are you new to the whole healthy lifestyle thing and maybe feel a bit of overwhelm? Too many opinions out there on diet and exercise and maybe you’re already stressed before you’ve begun to implement a new plan for yourself?

This post is geared more towards those individuals who are still transitioning into a healthier focus on the foods they are putting into their body and offers up some practical tips for them — hopefully easing some of the anxiety that can come along with being a newbie to this lifestyle.

Here are 4 Easy Diet and Lifestyle Tips for the Health Novice

 

Spend more money on food.

I’m not suggesting you break the bank, as there are tactics to still eat healthy on a budget. However, by choosing to spend more money on healthy food, you’ll be nourishing your body and investing in your health for the long run. Instead of allotting a chunk of your next paycheck on clothes, electronic gadgets or toys, try forking out a bit more on high-quality, organic, unprocessed and whole foods. Chances are you’ll feel much better eating it almost immediately and you’ll be convinced you’ve spent your money wisely. Investing in yourself and your health is worth it. Preventative measures (proper diet and exercise) can go a long way to help ward off many diseases. Think of all the money you’ll save by possibly avoiding hospital and/or doctor’s bills by putting high-quality foods into your body.

 

Eat more fat!

Yes, I said it…FAT. Let’s set one thing straight first. Avoid these types of fats at all costs: hydrogenated and trans fats, deep-fried foods, canola, soy, and corn oils, and poor-quality meats (non-organic and/or processed).

So, which fats should you eat and why?

Avocados, coconut oil and coconut meat, nuts and seeds, eggs, fish and fish oil, olive oil, and high-quality meats (organic, pasture-raised, and unprocessed) are all healthy choices of “good” fats. The brain is comprised of a large majority of fat and requires this macronutrient in healthy doses to nourish it. A component found in fish oil has been found to improve mood while also helping to support cognitive function and focus. Fat also helps to provide satiety during a meal and can help stave off cravings for unhealthy foods for hours. Lastly, adequate good fats in the diet can help give the skin a healthy complexion and radiant glow — all the more reason to make sure you’re eating proper amounts of these beneficial foods every day.

 

Go grocery shopping on your “Sunday” and prep for the week ahead.

I realize not everyone has a Monday through Friday work week, so if your work week starts on a Tuesday, use the day before to grocery shop and start your week ahead off with a productive and healthy mindset. Setting aside some time to clean your kitchen that same day can alleviate any stress and will put your mind in a better place to be able to tackle cooking meals. Cook a little extra food to fridge or freeze for the week and prepare any healthy snacks to bring to work with you so you’ll be armed with proper nutrition and less likely to snack on unhealthy options. Setting the tone of your week is important and when you’ve gone to bed knowing that there is one less thing to stress about, you are more likely to start your next day off on a positive note.

 

Focus on the things you can control.

We all have circumstances in our lives that may prevent us from living out the perfect day the way we may imagine it to be. Life is far from perfect, right? Instead of dwelling on setbacks or obstacles in your day that may make it more difficult for you to meet your goals, rather chip away at the things you can take control of and accomplish.

Example 1: “I can’t go to the gym to exercise because I have a child that I need to babysit.”

What can be done instead? 
Maybe taking the child to the gym is not an option. That’s ok and understandable. Perhaps you can take a walk with the child. Walking can be a great form of exercise. Or depending on how old the child is, maybe the child could play some type of active game or fun sport outdoors with you? Be creative and work within the parameters that you are able.

Example 2: “I travel a lot for work so it’s impossible to eat healthy while on the road.”

What can be done that is within your control?
Yes, it’s true that traveling makes it harder to cook your own meals and eat healthier foods. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything to improve your health. You could plan ahead and prep some foods to travel with including lots of portable snacks. You can research restaurants and grocery stores in the area of where you’ll be traveling to and make it a point to visit those that meet your criteria. Even if you don’t seek out special restaurants, making the best choice from any menu when you dine out is still better than opting for the unhealthiest thing on the menu.


If 4 Easy Diet and Lifestyle Tips for the Health Novice was helpful, please share this post with a friend so that they too may learn something from reading it.


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