A New You: How You Can Make Lasting, Healthy Lifestyle Changes

By Guest Contributor Jennifer McGregor

Making lasting, healthy lifestyle changes can present a challenge. Maybe you aren't sure where to start. Luckily, living healthy doesn't have to be difficult or intimidating. If you view it as a gradual lifestyle change, it can be very easy to adapt. Learn more about what you need to do to make these changes and how you can avoid falling back into bad habits.

Find the Right Exercise Plan

The best type of exercise program truly depends on the individual. Some people find that dancing doesn't feel like a workout at all, while others would rather go jogging. With this in mind, try different types of workouts until you find one that suits you. Experts say that 30 minutes a day is all you need to start getting results, so don't feel that you need an hour or even longer to start getting fit. In fact, working out daily for at least half an hour is a lifestyle change that is sustainable and one you can likely keep up with in the future.

Create Meals That Satisfy Without Being Unhealthy

Eating is a difficult area to change for many people. It is usually easier to reach for favorite comfort foods. If you're not used to healthy eating, it's possible you don't even know what to buy. Many people are also of the belief that to eat healthily, food preparation must take a long time.

Thankfully, there are plenty of quick and easy dinner ideas that can introduce everyone in your household to the idea of healthy eating. Start by making over one meal of the day, such as dinner. This boost in cooking and motivation can help you clean up and clean out your entire refrigerator, making for a lasting transition.

Sleep Well

Just as moving your body and eating correctly are crucial to a healthy lifestyle, so is sleep. If you stay up late, don't get enough rest each night, and overwork yourself, you are going to burn out sooner or later. Set a regular bedtime and adhere to it so you are getting the sleep you need. Some individuals feel fine after only seven hours, while others need more. Do what feels right for your body. As long as you wake up feeling refreshed, you can assume you've gotten enough rest.

Keep Practicing Your Goals No Matter What

Make a point to keep living your healthy lifestyle, even when you're on a business trip, a family vacation, or a staycation in scenic Telluride. One way you could do this is to get a vacation rental with a full kitchen, instead of a hotel. That way, you can cook from scratch and make your own food whenever you please, avoiding fattening (and costly) room service meals. Regardless of whether you choose to stay in the town of Telluride or in the Mountain Village, you are sure to find the right type of vacation rental to suit your needs so you can relax and stay healthy. With the help of a vacation rental site, you can choose a home that is near the activities you want to do.

Creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be as challenging as you think. Find the right exercise routine and stick with it, and figure out a healthy eating pattern that the rest of your family can follow. Finally, stick with your habits and take them wherever you go. Doing so allows you to create healthy practices you can follow for many years to come.