7 Healthy Living Goals That Don’t Involve Weight Loss

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It’s a new year and a super easy time to be focused on all the things you are NOT…not skinny enough, not productive enough, not busy enough, not organized enough…but today I want to take a second and encourage you to focus on all you ARE.​

Determined

Joyful

Dreamer

Active

Vibrant

This year let’s add more of the good stuff and let go of the idea that we aren’t enough or our bodies need to change in order to be healthy. Here are some New Year’s healthy living goals that don’t involve weight loss but will make you feel better and do better with your body!

7 Healthy Living Goals That Don’t Involve Weight Loss

1. Drink More Water

Every health plan EVER instructs you to drink more water! Drink. More. Water. Water keeps you full, hydrates your skin, helps with digestion, prevents cramps, keeps your joints flexible, improves brain function. I could go on, but you get the picture, right?!​

Drinking half your body weight in ounces of water is ideal, but even small increases like drinking a glass of water before having a soda at lunch or alongside your morning cup of coffee. A pretty cup with a straw helps me keep chugging all day long!

2. Take a Probiotic

Taking a daily probiotic has been a part of my lifestyle for years. I just feel so much better when I take them! Not to mention the science is there to back this up. Here’s a little Probiotics 101 for you!

• Probiotics are “good” bacteria that naturally exist in cultured or fermented foods (think yogurt, kombucha or sauerkraut) and have benefits for your digestive system. They also push out unwanted bacteria and allow more of the “good” bacteria to be present in your gut!​
• Using a probiotic supplement is a great way to increase your intake of “good” bacteria and help support your digestive balance and healthy gut flora.† You can check out more info on how probiotics work here!
• Nature Made® Advanced Dual Action Probiotics are actually comprised of 2 probiotic strains that work in different ways in separate areas of the intestinal tract for overall digestive health so you are getting optimal support for your body†!! So cool!

Nature Made® probiotics are a great probiotic to try because, in addition to the cool science above, their supplements are made of the highest quality standards to ensure purity and potency​. Also, if for any reason you’re not satisfied with Nature Made® Advanced Dual Action Probiotics, you can send it back for a full refund! I can get behind a guarantee like that! Also, it’s super convenient to pick them up in the supplement aisle for an everyday low price at my local Walmart! ​ 

3. Get Outside Every Day!

This is especially important in the winter when it’s natural to stay inside, but even a short walk to the mailbox or getting outside for 5-10 minutes makes a difference in your mood! Getting outside when the sun is out is even better because sunlight triggers your brain to produce serotonin and serotonin is the “feel good” hormone that makes you feel calm, happy, and uplifted.​

4. Less Sugar and Processed Foods

I am not my best self on sugar and processed foods. I admit we have fallen into a rut of leaning more on fast and convenient food than I would like. Its kind of like the pendulum swung the other way after doing the Whole 30. One easy swap is to make sure my breakfast is sugar-free by making myself a green smoothie packed with healthy fats, fiber, protein and produce! It’s a great start to my day and keeps me full till lunch! Another way is by making a snack of fruit and almonds. Citrus fruit is so delicious and in season right now!​

5. Move More

This year I’m committing to running more and doing more yoga. I have a 5K on the books and a goal to practice yoga twice a week in some capacity. Both make me feel alive and vibrant in different ways, which I love. Instead of hopping on the latest fitness craze or punishing yourself with exercise you hate, just commit to doing more of what you love! Love hiking? Zumba? Weight lifting? Running? Long walks on the beach? (<<<Yes and amen!) Just do more of that!​

6. Shift My Mindset

2019 is the year of mindset for me! I’m realizing SO many things shift when I shift my mindset! I often stick an earbud in and listen to personal development podcasts while I fold laundry, do dishes, or clean. It makes me feel super productive to be both knocking stuff out around the house and learning about building successful habits, setting goals and life dreams, and silencing negative self-talk.​

7. Sleep 7-8 Hours a Night

Can I admit this is sometimes hard for me?! I used to be so good with sleeping, but after having Griffin I’ve struggled off and on with insomnia. It’s truly the worst, but I’m finding that powering down in the evening an hour before bed helps. Also, journaling my stressors or just whatever is on my brain makes a difference, along with incorporating the other healthy choices I’ve shared here in my day to day life helps immensely!​

Which of these healthy living goals would you like to ADD to your life this year?! I find that focusing on weight loss and other external factors don’t keep me as motivated long term, but focusing on my overall health and well being does! This works for me and I’d love to hear what works for you! ​ Which probiotic benefit could you most use?

What new years goals are you focusing on this year?

Keep chasing vibrance,

-Kate

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.