3 Tips to Build Healthy Habits that Last

Let’s face it: when it comes to being healthy, there’s a ton of mixed messages. On social media, there’s always a new diet or workout, offering the promise of quick and easy results.

However, if you’ve been on an emotional roller coaster with your health, “easy” is probably the last word you’d use to describe it. Maybe you saw improvement in the short term, but the problems always seemed to resurface. Despite your best efforts, you’re left frustrated and wondering, “how can I get positive results that last?”

Many people get confused because they think one diet or workout is superior to another. However, it’s changes in lifestyle that make the difference. 

In other words, you can’t take shortcuts when it comes to your health. Being healthy requires making smart choices for your mind and body on a daily basis. It’s building good habits.

Here are three tips to help you get started:

Practice mindful eating 

Did you know the food you eat is often a reflection of your emotional state? Some people eat more when they’re stressed, some people eat less, but in both cases, the way you feel impacts the way you eat.

Rather than focusing solely on what to eat, think about how to eat. Mindful eating means eating with intention. It’s slowing down, listening to your body, and fueling it with nutritious, energizing foods. Are you really hungry? Or using food as a coping mechanism?

To become more aware of your eating habits, keep a food diary next to your bed. This will help you see areas that could use improvement.

Control your environment

When it comes to eating well, controlling your environment is essential. To set yourself up for success, surround yourself with nutritious food. For example, if you like to snack during the day, make sure you always have fruit and nuts in the pantry. 

Skip the junk food aisle at the grocery store (you can do it!). It sounds simple, but if the chips aren’t in your face, it will take away the temptation! Preparation is everything.

The same is true when you dine out. If you’re going to an event, drink a glass of water or eat a healthy snack beforehand to manage your appetite. Making these minor shifts will make a big difference in the long run.

Exercise regularly

The mind and body are closely linked, so it should come as no surprise that working out makes your body crave healthier foods. It’s true!

This is known as the transfer effect. When you adopt one healthy habit, and change one behavior (working out regularly), it transfers to a second healthy habit (eating well).

Hence, many health experts recommend exercising in the morning. It helps you make better decisions throughout the day.

Are you ready to take back control of your health? Following these tips will transform your mental state, physical state and overall well-being.