Originally published on brainzmagazine.com.
In a world mired with health misinformation, weight loss schemes, and body “hacks,” it’s easy to be discouraged. Often, a healthy lifestyle is achieved by taking many small steps and holding yourself accountable. Here are ten practical steps fitness expert Eugene Pallisco swears by to help kick-start anyone’s journey toward healthy living.
1. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is number one on the list because sleep impacts every single aspect of your life. If you aren’t getting enough quality sleep, it’s impossible to facilitate a healthy lifestyle. Anyone struggling with weight, emotional regulation, or energy levels should examine their sleeping habits before anything else.
2. Exercise Regularly
You knew exercise was going to be on this list. Moving your body, even if it’s just going for a brisk walk every day, is vital for your physical and mental health. If you aren’t an active person, it’s okay to start small and build yourself. Celebrate all the wins on your journey to encourage yourself to continue exercising; it will change your life!
3. Sit Less
Sitting isn’t great for your health, even though many have to do it daily for work. Try to set timers to get up every 20-30 minutes and find other opportunities for quick movement breaks.
4. Choose Healthier Options
Dieting is tough and only sustainable for some. But choosing the healthier option can be much easier to approach. Go for foods with more protein and fiber and less fat or sugar.
5. Stay Hydrated
Water is the lifeblood of your body. Your cells need it to propel you through your day. Don’t forget to drink water, especially after workouts, to keep your body feeling balanced.
6. Keep Track of Your Weight
It’s not for everyone, but if you aim to lose weight, you’re much more likely to succeed if you track your weight. Whether daily or weekly, log your weight to get a baseline of where you’re at and see any improvements your changes make!
7. Manage Your Emotions
Emotions can impact our physical health. Managing your feelings is not only a superpower many don’t master but also an excellent way to reduce overall stress, making reaching your exercise or diet goals easier.
8. Limit Alcohol
Alcohol is full of calories and can impair your judgment. If you want a healthy lifestyle, abstain from consuming alcohol too much or too often.
9. Limit Screen Time
Screens are another necessary evil in modern times. But planting yourself in front of them for hours can encourage bad eating habits and make it harder for you to motivate yourself to exercise. Manage your screen time however and whenever you can.
10. Talk to Your Doctor
Your doctor is the biggest ally in your quest for healthy living. Discuss your body’s unique needs and pain points at your next visit to give yourself a fighting chance at success.
Insights from Eugene Pallisco
Eugene Pallisco is a certified trainer and fitness expert working in Dallas, Texas. He started his career as a group fitness teacher, and his passion for helping others led him to develop his current training philosophy and private training firm.
Pallisco’s values focus on achieving joy and freedom through movement, regardless of what kind of exercise his clients use to get there.