Making the change to a healthy lifestyle can be both challenging and rewarding.  There are several steps you must take in order to achieve this goal.  The first step is to have some "want to".  If you want to change, then you are on the right path.  The second step is to "commit".  Commitment is something that is needed in order to practice anything either on a daily basis or make it a routine.  The third step is to be able to "go it alone".  If you are making the change for yourself, it's best to realize that although some may start with you, eventually in order to succeed, you must have the mindset of "I will do this if I have to do it alone!"  With these three steps in mind, you are well on your way to starting your journey to a healthy lifestyle.  

There are so many things to think about when starting this journey.  Allow me to share you six ways of encouragement to healthy habits for life inspired by  American Fitness Professionals & Associates: https://www.afpafitness.com/blog/healthy-habits-for-life.

1.  Practice Mindful Eating (become more aware of the food we put into our bodies and how it ultimately makes us feel).  Try adding more salads to your diet.

2.  A restful night's sleep should be at the top of the priority list (lack of sleep can disrupt your health--according to research, insufficient sleep can raise your risk of obesity, diabetes, mood swings, cardiovascular issues and other health concerns)

3.  Turn goals into a priority (we often set goals and forget about them; write down goals and place them where you can see them)

4.  Stay strong (it's okay to drop the ball, but just pick it up; you don't have to start over, just keep going)

5.  Schedule just 30 minutes a day of exercise (30 minutes of any type of exercise could make a difference--walking, jogging, etc.)