Simple Changes for a Healthier Lifestyle!!

Happy Wednesday, Friends! A new year often brings intentions for healthier habits but can soon be replaced by discouragement when we fall short of our goals.  Today I  am sharing simple changes that have worked for me...

I bet you can guess my first suggestion--we've all heard it before: Drink more water! Maybe water isn't your favorite beverage but hear me out. I was able to significantly increase my water consumption by infusing it.  You may have enjoyed it at a spa or special event but why not make it at home? Pictured below is one of my favorite blends--cucumber, grapefruit, green apple, mint and ginger.  However, even adding one ingredient like mint enhances the taste and health benefits.  Read more here. 

Add herbs to your diet! Herbs are super easy to grow but dried herbs also have a wealth of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  Maybe you have been hesitant to cook with herbs because you aren't sure which ones to use for particular foods.  Want to know a secret? There are no rules! If you don't usually cook with herbs, buy one and experiment. I add dried thyme to almost everything I cook.  It has a subtle lemony flavor.  Keep in mind that dried herbs are twice as potent as fresh.  Learn more about the health benefits of herbs here.

Eat less sugar! Now you'll notice I didn't say not to eat any sugar.  I personally believe we all need to indulge occasionally.  The key is to choose wisely.  I was absolutely shocked to find how much sugar is hidden in the ingredients of products that I don't consider sweet--read a few labels and you'll see what I mean! When I realized that the coffee creamer I added to my daily iced lattes alone, met my suggested amount of sugar for the entire day, it had to go! I'll be honest, at first I considered it a sacrifice but nearly a year later, I don't even miss it! I still have 2 iced lattes every day, but now I use a combination of monk fruit and almond milk.  Look here for my recipe. 

Keep healthy snacks available and visible! For me, this meant reorganizing my fridge. I don't know about you, but I am not as likely to eat something hidden in the back of the refrigerator or pantry.  I  keep my healthiest options right at eye level on a lazy susan.  

Move it!  Remember the catchy tune from the animated movie Madagascar? We all know the importance of exercise and yet struggle to keep it a consistent habit.  I am convinced this is because of all those fads that promise dramatic results in 10 minutes or less. Then there's the other extreme where you kill yourself for 3 weeks with a regimen that is completely unrealistic. Not all of us run marathons--find what works for you and move it, move it! For me it's Zumba. It feels like dancing and I love the convenience of the DVDs but I probably wouldn't be as consistent if I had to go to a class.  Have you had success implementing changes for a healthier lifestyle? Do tell! 

You may also enjoy:

Black Bean Taco Salad

Tortellini, Mushroom & Spinach Soup