Here are some suggestions to get you going towards a healthier “You”:

1. Drink more water. Nearly 80 percent of Americans claim they don’t drink enough water. If your goal is getting more water in your diet, broaden your goal. Include a wider variety of healthy beverages. Try options like tea, sparkling water, plant-based milk, soup and coffee (yes, coffee).  

2. Manage your weight—reduce your body fat! If you’re struggling to meet your goal weight and dieting isn’t your thing, switch your focus from the number on your scale to the numbers on the skinfold calipers—in other words, unnecessary fat ( you know—the bulge in the belly!).  In other words, concentrate on your body composition, not weight. Eat healthy, get some aerobic activity and strength training into your weekly routine and drink plenty of fluids. Eat adequate protein (at least 60 grams a day and have some at each meal). Eat less carbs and free sugars. The fat will come off. Try walking even 20 minutes a day—brisk walk to start the day or do so after dinner.

4. Eat a clean diet. Make sure your diet should be comprised of high-quality, whole foods. Heavily processed foods are linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These processed foods often have added sugars and salt, which you do not need.  Remember if you “fall of the wagon,” resume your healthy habits as soon as you can. Practice “mindful shopping”—buy healthy foods and “mindful eating”—think “is this really the best for me?”.  What you buy is what you eat. Keep healthy foods in the house and get rid of foods that really are no good for you. If they are in the house, you will eat them!

You are on your way to a healthier “YOU”.