You don’t have to go on an all or nothing diet to improve your health. The truth is, there are lots of tiny changes you can make in your daily life that will give you more energy, better focus, and help you live a longer, happier life.

Here are 11 simple lifestyle changes that may seem small but can make a real difference in your health and nutrition.

Include more fat in your diet

Obviously, we don’t mean you should make eating fried foods a daily habit. We’re talking about including more healthy fats into your diet, like nuts, avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish. These nutritional powerhouses provide essential fatty acids that support the immune system and keep your skin glowing. Healthy fats are also very satiating, so they can help you feel fuller longer and support your weight loss efforts.

Get 8 hours of sleep every night

Skimping on sleep is a bad idea. Not only does it make it harder for you to focus and impact your moods, but chronic sleep deprivation also increases your risk of obesity. You need around eight hours of sleep each night to keep your energy levels up and support your overall health. And, keeping to a regular sleep schedule will help you sleep better too.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

We’re constantly being told to drink lots of water, and there are good reasons for that. Staying hydrated will help you have more energy, improve the appearance of your skin, and much more. It’s also essential for gut health, which is crucial for a host of body functions.

Look after your gut

Science is just beginning to discover how much our gut health impacts our overall mental and physical health… from a healthy immune system to fighting anxiety and depression. A healthy gut also means less inflammation, better digestion, and improved nutrient absorption, too. Eating probiotic foods every day will introduce new, healthy bacteria to the gut. And Rowdy Bars are a delicious way to get the prebiotics you need to help those bacteria flourish.

Take your vitamins

No matter how clean your diet is, there will always be days when you just don’t have the time or motivation to eat as healthy as you should. Incorporating organic vitamins into your daily routine is an easy way to boost your nutrition and prevent deficiencies that can have a tremendous impact on overall health. High-quality multivitamins are the cheapest and easiest form of health insurance.

Get off the couch and get moving

The importance of exercise can’t be overstated, but that doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym every day if that’s not your thing. Get off the couch and take a walk in nature, do some yoga, dance in your living room, weed the garden… The point is to find an activity you love so you’ll be more likely to get moving every day.

Cut out processed foods

Processed foods that contain things like high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils can have a huge impact on your health. Sticking to one simple rule of not eating processed foods can make a big difference in your health.

Prioritize veggies

Veggies are packed with so many vitamins and minerals, they’re tasty, and they’re low in fat. Filling half of your plate with veggies at lunch and dinner is a great way to boost your nutrition. And if you fill up on veggies first, it will be a lot easier to moderate your intake of high carb foods like bread and pasta.

Keep healthy snacks in your desk at work

Stock your desk at work with healthy snacks like fruit, Rowdy Bars, whole grain crackers, trail mix, sunflower seeds, and nuts. That way, when you feel like grabbing that late morning donut or afternoon bag of chips, you’ll have better choices available. Cutting out all of those empty calories, refined carbs, and sugar during the day will help you avoid that afternoon slump.

Order your groceries online

Ordering your groceries online is good for your health and your wallet. When you shop in person, you’re more tempted to make impulse purchases. After all, who can say no to donuts when they’re “buy one, get one free”? Placing your order online allows you to choose healthy options without temptations and stick to your budget, too.

Give your fridge a makeover

Giving your fridge a makeover can help you make healthier food choices without even thinking about it. Place your fruits, veggies, salad fixings, and other healthy foods like yogurt right in the front at eye level. That way, when you open the fridge, they’re the first things to grab your attention.

Wrap Up

Starting out with small shifts can lead to big changes in your health and nutrition. Whether you’re simply trying to eat healthier, have more energy, or boost your immune system, you don’t have to go all-in with a total lifestyle makeover. Making small changes that you can stick to can lead to big changes that last.

CREDIT: Nicole McCray