In order to stay in shape, we must do more than just eat right and exercise. A healthy lifestyle also involves maintaining good mental health, a positive attitude, and a strong sense of self. But where do you start? What is the best approach to achieving a healthier version of yourself?

The simple adjustments you can make right now can lead to positive changes down the road. Keep a slow and steady approach. Begin by identifying bad habits and taking action to address and change them. Starting new and healthier habits is challenging but if you stick to them, they will easily become a part of your daily routine.

There are many health programs out there that promise a long list of results but require you to follow a complicated routine. It can be overwhelming and confusing. Instead of doing many things at once, it is better to focus on small steps and build habits.

The Power of Simple Changes

Drastically changing everything is too much for anyone and you are setting yourself up for failure. Make small changes that are positive and easy to implement. Here are some steps you can take to better health.

• Drink plenty of water
• Cut back on alcohol
• Do physical activities
• Reduce processed food consumption
• Add colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet
• Have healthy meal plans
• Get adequate sleep
• Limit screen time

One of the most challenging aspects of starting new habits is sticking to them. Track your progress and overcome roadblocks by reminding yourself why you want to be healthy. Don’t forget to reward yourself for every milestone. Opt for rewards that won’t affect the progress you’ve made. And lastly, have fun!

As the temperatures drop, we want to stay under a warm blanket and drink a hot beverage. Then you realize you need to work out. But with the cold weather, the temptation to go into hibernation mode is strong.

Why work out during winter?

When you overcome the “Let’s just wait until it’s sunny” mentality and brave the cold, you will discover some surprising benefits of exercising in winter. And we don’t mean simply taking your work out session indoors.

Exercising in the cold provides some gains you cannot get during the summer months. This includes:

• Increased endurance
• Improved heart health
• Boosting your immune system
• Burning more fat and calories
• Better mood & protection against Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Getting a good dose of Vitamin D

Staying active during the winter is possible in several ways. Go for a brisk walk around your neighborhood, run a few miles in the park, go roller skating, sledding, skiing, or snowboarding. If you don’t want to stay outside too long, you can do yoga, pilates, or boxing. Anything to keep you moving counts as a workout!

Exercising Safely in The Cold

Before going into your winter exercise routine, it is crucial to plan ahead and prepare accordingly. This is non-negotiable if you want a safe and healthy exercise session in the cold weather. Here’s a checklist for you:

• Wear layers of clothing
• Apply sunscreen
• Opt for shoes with good traction
• Keep your hands, feet, and ears warm
• Drink plenty of water
• Choose a safe route
• Don't forget your phone
• Warm-up and cool-down

After reading all these tips, you are now prepared to start your winter exercise and reap great rewards.

Celebrate a fun Valentine's Day with your partner! But how? As this celebration continues year after year, you may run out of ideas. If you want something different from roses and chocolates, this list can help!

1. Bookstore Date

Bookworms will surely love the idea of going to the bookstore, checking out the new releases, and picking out a book your significant other might love reading.

2. Write A Bucket List

What are the things you want to accomplish this year as a couple? It can be as simple as going to the gym together, getting a dog, or finally owning that dream house.

3. Cook Together

Instead of ordering food or eating out, why not cook your meals together or have a cook-off? You can bake cookies or whip up a dinner menu.

4. Breakfast In Bed

Breakfast made with love and served on the bed is the perfect way to start the day.

5. Recreate Your First Date

Take a moment to relive your first date, from the location to the outfits you wore, and even how weird you acted. It is also the perfect time to propose if you have plans.

6. Write A Love Letter

Put your love into words your partner can read over and over again. It’ll be a special keepsake, a reminder of your love for each other.

7. Attend A Concert

Do you have a similar passion for a band or singer, and they are performing near you? Grab two tickets and make it a date night idea!

Whatever ideas you plan on using in this list, the fact that you prepared it with your partner in mind is enough to make Valentine’s Day romantic and memorable.

A new year's resolution list is relatively easy to make, but fulfilling everything on the list proves to be the most challenging. If you want to break from the cycle of failing your resolutions every year, you should know how to fire up your motivation and never give up when faced with obstacles. This sounds easier said than done.

We all have different goals from stabilizing our personal growth and adopting healthier habits to focusing on our happiness. Whatever you plan to achieve this year is doable if you believe in yourself. But that alone is often not enough to follow through with what we have written on our list.

For starters, have realistic and measurable goals. Once that is settled, you can proceed with planning to make it happen. Have self-control, discipline, and patience. Invest time and effort in your goals. Prioritize and expect some discomfort along the way. It takes time for new routines to become habits, approximately 66 days.

Science-Backed Approaches to Keeping Your Resolutions

Expressing your will over your intentions is the key to making your New Year's resolutions a reality.

• Lessen The Stress- When we are stressed, it created a barrier to self-discipline which results in comprised intentions.
• Do Self-talk- Your inner voice can wield powerful self-control.
• Exercise Regularly- Increased blood flow to the frontal lobe from exercising is associated with higher-level cognitive function and executive functioning.
• Tell Someone- They can offer you support while holding you accountable for your goals.
• Empathize- Demonstrating empathy motivates self-control and motivates a change in behavior.

Change takes time. When you fail, be forgiving and gentle with yourself. You can always get back on your feet and start again. Be persistent!

Do you read ingredient labels? Polydimethylsiloxane, Propylene glycol, Azodicarbonamide, etc. The list goes on and on. You’re not sure exactly what they are, but it’s a pretty safe bet some of them shouldn't be part of a healthy diet.

If you’re like many people who want to avoid eating things they can’t pronounce, here are 4 tips to help you live and eat better:

1. When shopping at the grocery store, stick to the perimeter.  Fresh produce, meats, and dairy tend to be on the outer aisles of the store. Once you venture into the center areas of the store, where prepackaged foods are, the choices are not nearly as healthy.

2. Consider additives carefully.  While the Food & Drug Administration has approved additives, many people have adverse reactions to them. Some of the likely culprits include olestra, aspartame, artificial colors and flavors, monosodium glutamate, saccharin, sodium nitrate, sulfites, cyclamate, caffeine, BHA, BHT and acesulfame-potassium. Save the list to your phone, or print a list to consult at the store.

3. Don’t fall prey to thinking cheap can’t be healthy.  Dried beans, rice, old-fashioned oats, canned tuna and salmon, popcorn, frozen vegetables, and canned tomatoes are all healthy choices that are not very expensive.

4. Be choosy.  When in doubt, look at the labels. Choose the product with the shortest ingredient list.

Here’s to healthy… and pronounceable… dining. 

Whether you’re a dedicated weekend warrior or just decided to check out the free trial membership offer at the local gym, working out can be a great way to improve your quality of life. But along with the benefits come a few pitfalls. Here are some of the most common workout mistakes, and how you can avoid them:

1)  Doing the same workout routine every day.  You can avoid boredom by changing up your fitness routine. You need to rest overused muscles, so focus on different muscles on different days and add new exercises, too.

2)  Using the machines incorrectly.  If you are just copying what the other people are doing, you could cause yourself unnecessary pain, and end up wasting a lot of time. Invest in a trainer to show you how to exercise effectively and efficiently.

3)  You’re all about the cardio.  If you’re trying to lose weight, you need to add resistance training to increase your metabolic rate. Lifting weights in addition to your cardio training will help you burn calories 24 hours a day.

4)  Exercising on an empty stomach. Like a car needs gas to go, you need energy to fuel your workout. Some pre-workout food suggestions: a granola or protein bar, an apple and string cheese, or a slice of wheat bread with a tablespoon of peanut butter.

5)  Who needs to warm up?  You do! Warming up raises the body heat and prepares the ligaments and tendons for work.

Exercise can be a great part of achieving better health. Exercising the right way can help you keep up that healthy lifestyle.