Build healthy habits one or two at a time!

Try not to tackle everything all at once. When most of us get into a “diet” mode.?We think in order to be successful we have to remove a specific list of foods for a specific period of time or in some cases forever.?Forever is a long time!?And if you choose to eradicate something for a specific period of time, guess what you’ll do when that time period is over??You’ll go right back to the same old habits. It’s true, old habits do die hard. ?

Instead, start small and think about 1-2 behaviors you can add to your day without taking anything away to help you clean things up.?For example, instead of removing all caffeine and sugary drinks from your life, start getting in more water.?Make it a point to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water every day.?Do you eat a piece of fruit every day??If not, that’s a healthy addition without subtracting anything!?You get the idea.

Focus on habits related to getting in the proper amounts of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet.?Each of us should be getting in 5 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables every single day.?Are you??If not, this is a good habit to start.?

For reference, a single serving of vegetables is about a fistful.?The great thing about using your fist as a guide is you take it everywhere you go!?When choosing fruits and vegetables eat a wide array of colors.?The powerful phytonutrients in plants contain all sorts of vitamins and minerals that keep your body running at its best so you can be your best for the people you lead and serve.?Again, no subtraction here, just addition of nutrient-dense foods.

Choose lean meats and whole grains with an overall plate focused on whole foods.? I know how easy it is to be enticed by the giant ribeye on the menu or the smell of bacon in the air.?Oh, and the killer bread that comes out before the meal all buttered and beautiful.??

Do your heart a favor and choose leaner cuts and make smarter carbohydrate choices.? Leaner cuts of meat include fish, chicken, beef tenderloin, you get the idea. There is no need to dive headfirst into a 20-oz ribeye all for the sake of “getting in enough protein”.?A reasonable portion of lean meat should be about the size of your palm.?Fill up the rest of your plate with colorful, fruits, veggies, and whole grains.?

Most of us could do with far less animal fat than we are consuming and more fiber.?The fiber from whole grains such as oatmeal, whole wheat, brown rice, vegetables, and fruits provides what our bodies need to help eliminate toxins.?Heart disease is still the world’s leading killer, and no one can lead from a grave.?

I eventually learned my lesson and cleaned up my diet.? When I paired the that healthy eating plan with steady progress in the gym my body finally started to respond and fat loss became my friend.?If you are struggling in this area, know you are not alone.? Eating habits can be one of the hardest things to adjust but you can do it.?

As the chief executive officer of your own health and wellbeing, you have to learn from failures and manage your expectations if you ever expect to do so in other settings. Just like I had to.??

Want to find out more about me??Check out my website here - www.welllifehealth.com