4 Healthy Lifestyle Changes to Make Now & Link Up On the Edge #279
It has been shown that healthier people live happier lives. Leading a healthier lifestyle is connected to increased self-esteem and reduced stress levels which is the perfect formula for living your happiest life. But where do you start on this path to better living?
The first step, as with any major lifestyle changes, is to set achievable goals for yourself. I am going to share four simple changes that you can make that will help to improve your overall health and set you on the path to your best life.
1. Make Water Your Go-To Drink
It should go without saying that water is the absolute best thing that we can drink to hydrate our bodies. Ditch the sugary drinks as well as the all the ones with artificial sweeteners. Whenever you consume a drink with a high sugar content, your body will feel the initial rush of energy but it will be followed by a subsequent crash that will leave you feeling more tired than before. Sugary drinks also contribute to tooth decay and weight gain which are signs that you are not living your healthiest life.
I am not saying that you can’t enjoy an icy cold Coca-Cola on a hot summer’s day, but limit those kinds of drinks to special occasions. Water is a significantly better alternative for your daily intake of fluids because it does not contain damaging sugars and it is calorie free as well. There is nothing quite as refreshing as a bottle of fresh, clean spring or filtered water to refuel your body.
Water also promotes healthy digestion, so if you consistently hydrate yourself by drinking half your body weight in ounces of water, you are less likely to experience digestive issues. Additionally, drinks with high sugar content can contribute to high blood pressure and problems such as kidney stones. You can decrease that risk exponentially by replacing sugary drinks with water. For an added boost, you could consider a daily wellness drink, such as Morning Complete (see an Activated You Morning Complete review here), which is designed to support regular digestive function, daily energy levels, and overall wellness.
2. Change Bad Habits
I know the idea of changing any habit can be daunting, but the challenge is worth it when you find yourself heading towards a healthier lifestyle. Some not so healthy habits that you may want to consider changing include decreasing or eliminating alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, committing to addiction treatment if necessary, reducing screen time, or simply just removing yourself from the couch and moving your body the way it was meant to be moved.
3. Add More Nutrients to Your Diet
While water is the healthiest drink we can consume, it doesn’t do much for us if the rest of our dietary habits are unhealthy. Nutrient-dense foods provide your body with all of the essential vitamins and minerals it needs for optimal health and energy. We want the food we consume to contain all of the elements that our bodies need like calcium, potassium, and zinc.
Fruits and vegetables are chock full of these necessary nutrients. Calcium-rich foods include many fruits like guayaba, which is also high in Vitamins A, B, and C. Vegetables like broccoli and spinach are also high in calcium along with milk and other dairy products. Foods that are rich in potassium include apricots, avocados, and bananas while foods like oysters, pork, and beans are high in zinc.
It is helpful to have healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables prepared for yourself especially if you tend to get late night munchies. The healthier your snack choices, the better for your overall health and well-being.
“The greatest wealth is health.”
Virgil
4. Maintain a Regular Exercise Routine
Our bodies require exercise and movement just like a car needs to be driven so it doesn’t get rusty. Not only does physical exercise aid in weight loss and weight management, it also improves your mood, relieves the discomfort of stiff and achy joints, and keeps your muscles strong and healthy so your body can carry you through the next decade or eight of your life.
Implementing a new exercise routine can be a very intimidating task. But if you start small by committing to just three times a week for 20 minutes, you will find that forming an exercise habit is much easier than it sounds. Once it has become a part of your day, you will not want to miss your daily does of exercise-induced endorphins.
It has been proven that physical activity will make you feel and look healthier both now and in the future. Regular exercise will strengthen and tone your muscles as well as increasing production of healthy-aging hormones such as testosterone. The act of physical exercise also helps to minimize symptoms of depression and anxiety which promotes a healthier self image and feelings of well-being.
I used to hate exercise until I shifted my perspective. Now I remind myself daily that exercise is just as important as sleep and healthy foods for maintaining one’s best life. I now consider exercise equally as important as sleep and eating healthy which makes it much easier to get down on my yoga mat every day.
I have been hyper focused on living my best, healthiest life this past year and I am carrying that enthusiasm into this year…the year of Elevation for me. I plan to elevate myself above all the distractions and craziness in the world and focus on healthy living. Because if I am not at my best, how can I give my best to others?
What kinds of changes are on the horizon for you?
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Keeping it healthy on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Joggers and Turtleneck-Charlotte Russe / Duster-Burlington Coat Factory / Boots-Shoe Dazzle / Gloves and Hat-Wona Trading / Hat Brooch, Necklace, and Earrings-Old / Coat-c/o Rosegal
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
50 Comments
Jill
Water has been my go-to drink for a few years now. I rarely drink anything else except a little coconut milk in my smoothies. Adding more veggies into my diet is a constant struggle and I need to be better about planning healthy snacks. Have a great weekend!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
That is awesome, Jill! I used to hate drinking water but forced myself to switch about 15 years ago and I feel so much better for it! I still will enjoy a Gatorade or a soda on occasion, but it’s mostly just water and black coffee that I drink. And I do like a glass of milk every night before bed. My body craves it for some reason, so I indulge it. I am in the middle of a 7 day cleanse so healthy snacks have been a must this week! Have a fabulous weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Laurie
Great tips here.
You’ve got a cute hat on (the beret)
I was thinking about you from a previous post and came across something that made me think back to you. Ignore if you’d like. I just thought I’d share it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CaozVur9ySo
I’ll be praying for you.
Have a great week!
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Laurie, thanks so much for the lovely compliment and also for sharing this interview with me. It was a very interesting perspective and I agree with about 90% of it. I am a big fan of Jordan Peterson and the topics he addresses as well. I need to watch more of his interviews! I hope you have a blessed week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
I try to eat very healthy. Almost don’t drink alcohol anymore, however when I do I really love it. And exercise even more then I did. I don’t use sugar nor salt. And I really can feel the difference with when I do eat unhealthy like during Christmas. That’s a motivation!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing your healthy routines, Nancy! I am doing a cleanse this week which is no sugar or salt and only fruits and veggies, mostly raw, but some cooked. The no salt thing is realllly hard! How do you do it?!
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
Hi Shelbee!
All great points to living a healthy lifestyle! I have a home gym with weights, bands, balls, etc and a treadmill. This year I am switching it up at the gym and hope to do anwater aerobics class and use the weight machines, just changing it up makes it more fun.
I drink a ton of water and have to because of my Gastroperesis. It does help digestion!
LOVe that olive coat and this outfit with those sweet platform boots!
Have a great weekend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! I do all of my working out at home as well. I do mostly yoga and some HIIT workouts all in the comfort of my bedroom or living room. I do want to get some other equipment for HIIT workouts like a stepper and maybe some weights. I also drink a ton of water and feel so much better because of it. I notice if I don’t drink enough water just in a single day, I will start to feel crappy all over. Our bodies need it to flush out all the bad stuff! I hope you have a fabulous weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
Yes to all these tips! I have added more fruits and veggies in my diet with meal from Daily Harvest. Love the color palette of this look and dying over that cozy coat. Thanks for the link up Shelbee!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I am doing a cleanse this week which is all fruits and veggies. I definitely need more veggies in my diet. Fruit I can eat all day long!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
Oh man, I totally need to drink more water—I drink tea all day, which is probably contributing to my constant state of deyhdration. I want one of those pitchers that infuses your water with fruit flavor—maybe that will help? 😉
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh yes, you definitely need to substitute some of your tea with plain water! I have grown to love hot lemon water and drink it all day during the colder months. It tastes almost like tea without the tea! Haha. You can also make your own flavored water without an infuser…I sometimes just throw fresh fruit and mint into a pitcher of water and let it do its thing in the fridge. Delicious!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
This is one of my favourite outfits on you!!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I felt really great wearing it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Di
Adorable outfit, Shelbee! I always love your looks with a beret, and the long plaid topper is a great look on you. Thanks for sharing your tips for a healthy lifestyle. I am currently coaxing myself to drink more water by filling a pitcher with the minimum about I need each day. It helps to have that visual. Hope you have a good weekend and thanks for the link up!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Di! I do love my berets, too! I have been wanting to add a few more styles and colors of berets but I have so many already!
That is a great method you came up with to drink more water. I used to drink 2-3 16 ounce mugs of coffee in the mornings, but now I just drink one 16 ounce coffee and 1-2 16 ounce hot waters with lemon!. In fact, I drink a hot water with lemon before I even have my first cup of coffee and it has helped me to feel more energized throughout the day with much less caffeine intake. The caffeine overload was really starting to make me feel crappy and I feel so much better on less caffeine now. Just keep reaching for water when you need a drink and you will have your body trained in no time!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann Rohr
These are great lifestyle habits and ones I made years ago. I’ll never regret making them and I think, for the most part, they have been key in helping me feel good at 53.
You look amazing my friend – I love this outfit – head to toe!!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kellyann! I made a lot of these changes more recently and I have never felt better in my entire life. Honestly, I feel healthier overall at 47 than I did at 27 and I credit it to making better decisions about my health! Keep shining bright, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren Renee Sparks
I’ve got the exercise part down. I really need to work on more water.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Lauren. I am learning that water is a major problem area for many people so you are not alone! I am very diligent about making sure to consume enough water to stay properly hydrated, otherwise, I really do start to feel kind of junky! It makes a world of difference.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
This is such a great post! So many amazing iddes. I am definitely an advocate for drinking enough water!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lizzie! Water seems to be a problem area for a lot of people and it surprises me because I really only drink water (and coffee and milk). Your body feels so much better when it is properly hydrated, doesn’t it?
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire
Great tips here, Shelbee. I need to change a lot about my health and diet and focus on happier things. Love this outfit. Thanks so much for featuring me 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Claire! I find that when I get my diet and exercise to a healthy place, I am able to focus much more clearly on the happier things! Yoga has been a life saver for me. May 2022 bring you many happy things, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
You’re spot on with all of these, Shelbee! But, I hate water! I do, I just abhor it! I used to be addicted to Diet Coke, gave that up and have one every once in a while. What I do now is to get some crushed ice, add water, and top it off with a skosh of Crystal Lite lemonade just to flavor it. I know myself, and I know if I cut something completely out…like sugar and salt…I will crave it and eventually give in. So, I don’t deny myself these things. It’s now moderation in all things! Love that plaid duster!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Marsha! Moderation in all things is good, right?! I don’t deny myself the things I love either because what’s the point of living if you can’t sometimes enjoy a donut or 6? Actually, I used to absolutely abhor water as well and really had to train myself to drink it. And I am very particular about which water I drink. It has to be spring water. I can’t even drink filtered tap water. It tastes funny to me and makes me gag. So I basically drink spring water all day long with some coffee in the morning and a glass of milk at bedtime. I don’t know why, but I crave milk every night so I drink it because clearly my body wants it for some reason.
I am actually doing a cleanse this week which is no sugar or salt or dairy or meats or carbs or anything really…just fruits and veggies for one week, mostly raw. The salt and sugar cravings have been awful in the nighttime so I don’t think I would deny myself these things for an indefinite period of time. One week I can do to cleanse out all the bad stuff I have eaten the past 6 months! But when this cleanse is over on Monday, I am definitely enjoying some sweet treats…in moderation, of course (hopefully)!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carol
Great advice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle! And, I like the creative ways you styled your winter coats for the photos. Thanks for hosting the link-up.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Carol! I really appreciate that.
xoxo
Shelbee
Alexandra
Last year, I ran into some issues with my sugar, and I have been trying to make healthier choices. These are great tips!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Alexandra! Sugar is like kryptonite for me…especially donuts! I can get a little carried away with donuts so it is important for me to find balance elsewhere. I hope that you were able to straighten out your sugar issues. Wishing you a happy and healthy new year!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
Great tips! Drinking lots of water and exercising regularly really help me feel my best and keep stress levels low!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Laura! It really does make a huge difference in how I feel as well. When I fall off healthy diet and exercise habits, I feel it through my whole body pretty quickly. I just feel better when I do things in a healthier way!
xoxo
Shelbee
Valerie Hansen
Hi Shelbee,
I love your green coat, it looks fab on you!
I drink water but have to many other drinks in the mix…like ice tea, soda, juice sprtizers and need to stop them as it has been killing my weight loss efforts lol
Thanks for the great tips!
Happy New Year!
;
Valerie
xo
http://www.mapleleopard.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Valerie! I used to hate drinking water and had to train myself off of all the other stuff! But I do still enjoy a Gatorade about once or twice a week and soda I only drink maybe once a month. After not drinking it for so many years, soda actually does taste a bit too sweet to me. Although I could eat 3 donuts in one sitting and I will enjoy that sugar overload! Haha. Donuts are my kryptonite when it comes to weight management. Wishing you all the best in the new year, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
Adore these boots Shelbee, I’ve just ordered a white pair and have bought a black pair, can’t wait to style them. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jacqui! I love these boots so much and they are super comfortable, too! I look forward to seeing how you style your new white boots!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Good advice! I love your cream and wine outfit. It’s a great color combination. Super fab!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! I felt great in this outfit! I need to wear it again.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Great tips and trying to drink more water. Always trying to get better. Thanks for hosting and I hope that your weekend was good.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! I just did a cleanse last week and I managed to get my coffee from 48 ounces to 12-16 ounces…and I did it by substituting hot lemon water. It killed two birds with one stone…lowered my caffeine intake and increased my water intake…and I lost 5.4 pounds in one week on the cleanse!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lydia C. Lee
Fun and practical!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lydia!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sinziana
Water is my go to drink for a long time…the only thing I strugle is moving more – I walk as much as I can but I reallt hate all type pf gym :))).
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Sinziana. Me, too. I switched to mostly water many years ago and I am so glad that I did. I struggle with getting my body moving especially in the winter time. But daily yin yoga in my living room definitely works wonders in keeping everything stretched and moving. I hate going to an actual gym and would prefer never to have to do that! So I totally understand.
xoxo
Shelbee
Catherine Sokolowski
I love that there are only 4 things to remember to do or not do to live healthy. This is great advice and I agree with all of it!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Catherine! The simpler the better, right?! I have been so focused on healthy living lately that I find it pretty easy to stick to these 4 things. I hope you have a fantastic day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Stephanie 139a
I hear you on the water! I need to hear myself more! Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Stephanie!
xoxo
Shelbee
Chickenruby
I don’t drink nearly enough water and with the kitchen being fitted I’m not eating peoperly either. I do walk the dog though daily and have increased the distance.
Thanks for linking with #pocolo, sorry for the delay with commenting and sharing. Hope to see you back soon.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Water seems to the biggest challenge for most people who have commented. So you are definitely not alone on that. I go through phases of not eating properly and then I start to feel not as great as I normally do and have to find my way back to all of my healthy habits. I am not much of a dog person, but I can see the benefits of having a furry friend who motivates you to go for daily walks!
xoxo
Shelbee