Many people are aware that living a healthy lifestyle is important for our overall well-being. This is definitely true, at least for me, because I know that when I recklessly eat everything in sight and then lie down and watch TV for hours, I never feel good about myself.

Photo: Brooke Lark on Unsplash

My goal for this article is to hopefully reassure you that you can start living a healthier lifestyle without giving up the things you really enjoy doing or eating. The key is in this well-known phrase: everything is good in moderation.

One of my first tips for living a healthy lifestyle would be to begin at a level that you are comfortable with. Starting small is not only good for our mind, but it’s great for our bodies as well.

Granted, part of becoming fit does involve going out of our comfort zones and eventually pushing ourselves. However, we cannot forget that all great things come with time.

My second tip is to be patient with yourself. Patience is beneficial in our relationships with others, but it also does wonders when we practice it with ourselves.

When you feel that you can handle it, bump up your weight lifting level at the gym or swap out a bag of chips for a vegetable that you like. If you do not like veggies, then find a fruit or another healthy snack to replace it!

My last tip is to remember that this is your own journey, and it is not anybody else’s. Comparing your progress with other people will only discourage you. Use others as motivation, but do not tear yourself down for not being at the same level as other people yet.

If we ease into a healthy lifestyle, and take the time to listen to our bodies, we won’t become discouraged so easily. Remember- moderation is key! Find things you love and enjoy! Experiment with new ways to work out or eat, and make it your own.