Starting a Healthy Lifestyle – A Gradual Process

Starting a Healthy Lifestyle – A Gradual Process

by Raina B

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Source: Norman Public Schools

Many people think that when they decide to start living a healthier lifestyle, it has to be drastic. In my experience, drastic changes have been followed by serious binges and relapses, neither of which were beneficial. While going cold turkey does work for some, many people (myself included) find themselves going back to their old habits.

For me, it’s easier to try healthier foods and actually continue eating them when I add them into my diet gradually (one at a time), rather than trading all of my yummy foods for ones I don’t like, yet. That’s right! Some foods were gross to me at first, but as I continued to eat them, I began to like them. While this does happen for some foods, it doesn’t happen for all of them. Adding new healthier foods into my diet gradually makes me feel like I CAN change, manage and maintain this new way of eating.
I am all about BABY STEPS
dont-compare-your-beginning-to-someone-elses-middleYour journey will most likely differ from someone else’s, so it is important to try your hardest not to compare your journey to someone else’s. Some people enjoy eating broccoli and salads everyday, and it works for them. Others enjoy eating steak and potatoes all the time. The key to living a healthy lifestyle is balance. It is okay to pig out every so often, however, it is also important to give your body what it needs (TONS OF NUTRIENTS!!).

 

During your journey it is important that you “do not allow the big goal to keep you from seeing the little goals that will take you to it”. –  3 Seconds book by Les Parrott
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Drinking water (and saving money doing so) at The Workshop in Durban, South Africa.
CHALLENGE
Try drinking more water this week. If you don’t want to go cold turkey, you can replace one soda or other sugary beverage with water. Here are some tips that may help you drink more water.
ALTERNATIVE CHALLENGE
If you are already a water drinker (and/or water lover), try eating a new veggie.

FUN FACT
Sometimes when you feel hungry, you are actually thirsty! For this reason, it is good to make sure that you are hydrated. Click here for more information.
Your body and skin will love you for it! Your pocket may also love you a bit more too (since water is usually cheaper than its alternatives).

Thanks so much for reading this post! Please feel free to share your comments and/or suggestions below:) I love learning, so if there is something you would like to add, please do. I am no expert; I mainly speak from my own experiences.

 

9 thoughts on “Starting a Healthy Lifestyle – A Gradual Process”

  4. Really enjoyed reading about a new way to grow, by creating my own boundaries. I will be trying the alternative for the water, which is a great idea for me. Just 2 weeks ago i tried drinking all water and I developed nausea and needed some flavor in my mouth. So I will definitely be trying this. Thanks so much

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    1. Thanks so much, Cousin!! So glad you found it helpful. I go through those phases too! Sometimes I add lemon to my water, or have a cup tea or juice. Let me know what you tried and how it worked for you!!

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