Being healthy is a different definition for every person. Being healthy could mean exercising more, or eating more vegetables, or even just eliminating fried foods from their everyday diet. People always ask me to help them become healthy, I immediately ask, “What do you mean by healthy?” or “What is your ultimate goal?”. That usually follows up with, “I want to lose weight” or, “I want to feel better”.

When someone strives to do something, it is usually ensued by a certain challenge (ex. trying to reduce everyday fatigue). That will be followed by creating a goal to work to (ex. to have more energy for the day). Following, there will be a journey to reach and fulfill that goal (ex. start eliminating processed foods and incorporate more fruits and vegetables to your diet to reduce the fatigue, and increase energy). This process of reaching a goal and abiding a certain journey is in everyone; we use it for almost all challenges一from a 10 mile triathlon to a deadline you have to meet at work. So, do you want to become healthy and achieve that goal and journey? Well, here are some basic, and simple guidelines of how to become overall healthier.

1. Get Moving

Moving around more is always the first step to becoming healthy. That could either mean taking the dog for a walk, going for a weekend hike with your family, riding your bike through a local park, or just parking your car at the back of the parking lot when you go food shopping.

It could even be the little things, like taking more than 2 trips from the car when you are bring in groceries, or simply standing when you do work instead of sitting. You don’t have to do drastic changes to your day to move around a little, just think “What can I do today to get my blood flowing a little more?” it’s not rocket science, trust me. So try a couple of the examples to get you blood flowing more!

 2. Drink Water!

This definitely has to be the simplest one, just get some fluids in you! Both doctors and scientists recommend drinking AT LEAST 64oz of water a day. Water is essential to our body’s health and appearance; water also aids cellular hydration and reproduction. Every single process and thing in your body is supported by water, not kidding! So, with a lack a water, comes a lack of correct service the cells will provide your body.

Your appearance is also effect when you lack the correct amount of water. When you don’t take in enough water, you can tend to look tired and run down. But, when you drink that 8 cups of water, your skin will be hydrated, and you will glow a little more. Water benefits you all over! So, get sipping:)

3.Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables have essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers that are vital to our body’s overall function; I’m pretty sure I mentioned that in my Foods to a Healthier You post.

The vitamins and minerals in the fruits and veggies increases your body function; also your vitamin deficiencies will decreases and you will not have to take as many of those supplements! Different fruits and vegetables benefit parts and functions of the body; for example ginger root aids digestion and eases nausea.  I often use food as a medicine, rather than taking an other-the-counter medicine. Recently, my knee has been swollen, so I would would whip up a batch of Golden Milk to ease the pain and inflammation.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” ~Hippocrates

4.Portions

The #1 disease among Americans is heart disease; this disease is directly related with obesity. Portion Sizes effect the amount of calories, fat, carbs, protein, sugars, and salts you consume; all of these directly effect your weight.

Here is a video to clear confusions and questions about portion control. And here is a great buzz feed video of serving size vs what everyone else eats. Another way proven you can lose weight by eat your same favorite foods is by consuming the correct portions; that method is shown by the 21 day fix.

Overall, these are some adequate guidelines you can follow to become healthier.