It’s not hard to live a healthier life. In fact, living an unhealthy life is probably harder than making just one or two small changes toward that healthier life. That’s really all it takes—just one or two small steps—and you’re on your way to a healthier, more vibrant life where you’re doing all the things you enjoy. For instance, if you’re eating an unhealthy diet, you likely feel tired, run-down, unable to tackle all those things you need to get done in a day, let alone the things you want to do. But replace just a couple unhealthy foods and add a few steps here and there throughout your week and you’re well on your way to living that healthier life you so desire. If you’ve recently visited a top doctor near you and it was suggested you should get on the road to living a healthier life, here are valuable steps you can take on your journey.
Start with a step
A wise person once said, “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” Luckily, you don’t have to walk a thousand miles to live a healthier life! In fact, all you need to do is start with that ‘single step.’ If you’ve lived a sedentary life lately, don’t worry about getting on some crazy exercise program, getting a personal trainer, or even joining a gym. Not that joining a gym is a waste of money, but start out with a moderately paced walk just a few minutes a day. After you’ve built up a routine, then you might want to think about joining a gym or getting into an exercise class. The important thing is to progress just a little more each week.
Replace one food
If you’re reading this article, you likely aren’t eating as healthy as you’d like. The good news about eating a healthier diet is that, like starting a new exercise program, you don’t have to go crazy with it right off the bat. In fact, you’ll likely have a lot more endurance and build a sustainable healthy diet if you ease into that healthy diet. Try replacing one unhealthy food every day with something healthy. For instance, if you’re used to eating high-calorie, high-fat processed foods, replace one of those each day with something more natural, such as fiber-rich berries or nuts. You’ll find yourself getting fuller quicker because processed foods typically contain refined sugars that have zero nutritional value and spike your blood sugar.
Wash the unhealthy away
Another important step on your quest for a healthier life is to make sure you drink plenty of water. This one isn’t hard, but if you’re not used to drinking enough water, it’s not really one of those ‘start with a single step’ steps. Because every organ and cell in your body needs water to keep every system of your body working properly, you shouldn’t skimp on the water. Try adding a glass of water with each meal, and you’ll soon find yourself choosing water over sugary beverages. You’ll also feel more energetic, since water not only flushes away toxins, it also contains oxygen that energizes your cells.
Remember the old saying about eating an elephant one bite at a time? That’s the simplest way to look at living a healthier life. Don’t concern yourself with extreme diets and exercise programs all at once that will have you running back to your old ways before the first week is out. Take it one day, one step at a time. If you’re someone who’s not used to exercising at all, just getting your sneakers on and walking five minutes today is more than you did yesterday. If you’re someone who’s used to eating anything and everything you want regardless of calories, fat, carbs, or nutritional value, start today by replacing one unhealthy processed food with one healthy one. Yes, each and every day you take just one small step on your journey is one day closer to that healthier life you’ve been seeking. Before you know it, the next time you visit a top doctor near you for your routine exam, your doctor will be congratulating you on a job well done. But even more important, that healthier life you’ve been working toward will make you feel better and live a longer, more vibrant life!
