Simple changes in habits to get healthy

This shop has been compensated by Chobani. All opinions are mine alone. #herestoless

I recently shared a blog post discussing how my plan is to get back into optimal health this year. I summarized the five most popular diets to decide if any were right for me to give me a kickstart. But rather than jumping into a restrictive diet I’ve decided to start my year by starting with a few simple adjustments in my habits toward a healthier lifestyle.

Simple changes in habits to get healthy

There are three simple things I will do this month to get healthier.

1. Move your body for at least 30 minutes, every other day

Now that I’m back to running 5 miles every other day, I’m remembering how much better my mindset is when I’m active. I’m also more energetic in general when I’m active. I believe it’s very difficult to have a healthy mindset without also having a healthy body. As we age, keeping active becomes even more important for our well being as our bodies deteriorate at a faster rate. It’s been so long (at least 7 years) since I had a break from a regular workout routine, I forgot how hard it is to create an exercise habit after being inactive for an extended period of time. You’ve heard how it takes 30 days to create a habit, right? Commit to at least 30 min at least 4 times a week where you will be active.

• Commit to at least 1 month of scheduled exercise every other day on your calendar.
• Start with walking outside for 1 mile, then work up to speed-walking or jogging if you can. Pretty soon you will be comfortable with 1 mile, then 2, and so on. If you don’t feel great, slow down. But get your body used to moving at a set time every other day. Once it becomes a habit, it will become part of your routine.

• Workout with a friend. Making a commitment to a friend will make it less likely you will flake. My girlfriend Jodi and I are meeting one weekend morning each week to do our run together. Today was our first day and the 5 miles went by in a flash!

3. Have protein within 30 minutes of finishing a workout

Consuming protein within 30 minutes after a workout will increase your calorie burn, your feeling of fullness and feed your muscles more effectively than other times in the day.

While I love Greek yogurt for its taste along with its high protein level, I found most brands had more sugar than I wanted to consume in a serving. I am excited about Chobani® Less Sugar Greek Yogurt with 50% less sugar than other yogurts* and is now available at Walmart. Now, I can enjoy a Chobani® Less Sugar Greek Yogurt within 30 minutes of my workout (12 grams of protein). It’s a simple way to enjoy a snack without the need for any preparation! just grab and go. Chobani® yogurts are made with only natural, non-GMO ingredients, and never any thickeners, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners. Check out the Chobani® hub and earn money back on Chobani® Less Sugar Greek Yogurt! *Chobani® Less Sugar* Greek Yogurt: avg. 9g sugar; other yogurts: avg. 18g sugar per 5.3oz serving.
I grabbed a few flavors of the Chobani® Less Sugar Greek Yogurt including Monterey Strawberry from our local Walmart superstore which by the way, has online grocery pickup now! Check your store for availability.

*Chobani® Less Sugar Greek Yogurt: 50% less sugar than other yogurts (Chobani® Less Sugar Greek Yogurt:avg. 9g sugar; other yogurts: avg. 18g sugar per 5.3oz serving).

3. Drink half my weight in water (in oz) each day

Have you heard this? It’s the general rule of thumb to guide us on the amount of water consumption we should have each day. For example, if you weigh 120lbs (in my dreams!), you would aim to drink 60 ounces of water a day. My family uses 18 oz refillable glass water bottles (available online or at home stores) in our home which makes it easy to get our water in. I have set the intention to drink about 4 bottles of water a day. It’ll be easy to achieve this goal with it being simplified in this way! These three actions are easy, right?

If you need something to get you going, start with these simple tips. It will get you feeling more energetic and motivate you to continue making changes for a healthier you!

“Flavor your life with an Ounce of Salt.” A lifestyle blog by Jen Oliak.