7 Simple Health Changes for Huge Health Results

By: Jae Curtis, Lifestyle Expert

When setting goals for better health, the idea of a total life revolution is understandably overwhelming. A complete diet and exercise overhaul is enough to make anyone abandon the idea of better health and settle for something easier. But the good news is that you don’t have to clean out your cupboards, commit to an all-vegetarian diet, and run a marathon to be healthy. In fact, the best way to start healthier habits is little by little.

Feeling like you’re overwhelmed by a healthier you? Try these simple changes to your regular routine and see big results in the long run.

Invest in a Water Bottle

One of the easiest ways to reduce sugar and calorie intake is to stop drinking soda and juice. But that also means you need to be ready for when a soda craving hits. Invest in a great water bottle that is refillable and keeps your drink ice-cold so you’re not tempted to hit a vending machine. Missing your flavor? Try squeezing in lemon or lime or shake in some sugar-free drink mix.

Set Your Alarm

You know you should be getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but it’s easier said than done. Try this simple fix: set your alarm to go to bed and to wake up. When your nightly alarm goes off, it’s time to put down devices and get some shut-eye. And by waking up at the same time each day, you’re encouraging healthier sleep patterns.

Start with Salad

Most adults don’t get the minimum five servings of fruits and vegetables they need each day. If you’re struggling, set a goal to always start your meals with a serving of produce. You’ll fill up on high-fiber, low-sugar foods before you tuck into your usual meal, which limits overeating and ensures you get the vegetable intake your body craves.

Keep a Journal

Tracking your food intake throughout the day can be an eye-opening experience. You might not notice how often you grab a handful of chips or rely on unhealthy snacks to keep you going. Whether you write down your meals in a notebook or track food with a smartphone app, keeping a food journal can help you identify bad eating habits and control your portions better.

Display Healthy Foods

You definitely crave what you see, which is why you should make healthier options as accessible as possible. Often, unhealthy snacks are a go-to simply because they’re accessible and visible. Hide away your unhealthy snacks and keep cut fruit and vegetables front and center in your fridge. That way, when you’re looking for a snack, it’s the first thing you see and the food you’re most likely to crave.

Swap for Satin

Waking up in the morning with your skin feeling papery and dry? Try getting rid of your old cotton pillowcase for a sleek satin case instead. The slick material keeps your skin cool and reduces creasing so you wake up looking and feeling totally refreshed.

Upgrade Your Shoes

Let’s face it: you’re more inclined to exercise when you’ve got the right gear. And that doesn’t only count in the gym, either, since you might be more likely to walk a little more or take the stairs at work if you’re wearing the right shoes. So take the time to get fitted for a pair of comfortable, stylish everyday shoes that help you stay motivated and comfortable to keep moving. That way, parking farther from the grocery store or taking a quick walk around the neighborhood is a no-brainer.

You don’t need to become a completely different person to implement healthy changes. A total overhaul seems impressive, but it could be setting you up for major failure. Instead, try thinking up a few simple changes that help you sleep better, eat better, and move more. Just a couple of quick swaps in your daily routine could add up to big results for your overall health.