Breaking Bad Health Habits

                                                  

As we all know, whether we admit it or not, there are several small, unconscious habits that we do everyday without realizing how it affects us. I bet there are several eating habits that you have that you did not realize are affecting your weight. We are creatures of habits. We buy the same kinds of food, do just about the same activities, and we do what we are most familiar with. If you are serious about making a lifestyle change, losing weight, or eating healthier, you need to change your eating habits and start thinking about a healthier lifestyle. I am not saying it will be easy or in your favor, but you have to get out of that same comfortable routine. Even through the demands of your daily life, you have to WANT to make a change and follow these three steps to tackle your bad habits:

1) Recognize the bad habits that you want to fix.
2) Figure out why these habits exist.
3) Find ways to slowly change these habits and create new ones.

As read in The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, you can't make something change magically overnight. You have to take small steps everyday that will result in the grand achievement. 

Here are a few ways that you can fix bad health habits.

1) Take small steps.

• Start each day with a nutritious, balanced breakfast
• Give up on seconds or reduce your portion sizes by 20%
• Drink more water and fewer sugary drinks
• Get more sleep
• Eat a nutritious snack ever few hours

2) Make a plan and be specific.

• How are you going to plan your meals?
• How much time are you going to dedicate to your workout?
• Make sure you don't skip any meals
• Write out your plans and stick with them

3) Become more mindful and aware of what you eat.

• Read food nutritional labels
• Become familiar with ingredients
• Try keeping a food diary

4) Achieve a realistic "mini-goal" every week.

• As with The Compound Effect, these small changes will add up and make progress.
• Eat a new vegetable or fruit every week
• Exercise 30 minutes longer
• Do small things to de stress yourself

5) Practice stress management.

• Meditate, relax, exercise or do whatever helps you release stress.
• Turn from eating comfort food when you are stressed
• Take 10 minutes and focus on positive things

-Stay Healthy, Stay Happy