20 Quick Tips For the Healthiest Week Ever

When you set off to live healthier, the whole process can be overwhelming, but all it takes are a few small changes to make a big difference! Start with these 20 simple tips.

1. Never skip breakfast: Skipping breakfast might seem like it can lead to weight loss, but it's doing just the opposite. Enjoying a high-protein, high-fiber breakfast keeps you energized throughout the morning, while forgetting breakfast actually slows down your metabolism.
2. Walk to work: Start the day with a dose of exercise, and leave all the stresses of public transportation behind. If your commute includes a drive, something as simple as parking your car in the back of the lot is a healthy change worth making.
3. Forget the second cup: Coffee in the morning is fine, but that second cup can leave you feeling jittery. Sub your second cup with some green tea. The tea still has caffeine but will keep you feeling balanced; it's also been shown to help boost metabolism.
4. Eat whole foods: Weight loss is built on more than counting calories! Reach for natural, unprocessed foods to keep the whole body working at its top potential while helping keep off unwanted pounds.
5. Pack your own lunch: Healthy and fresh fast-food options are more readily available than ever, but when you bring your lunch to work, you know exactly what you're getting. If you're worried about cook time, enjoy one of these dinner recipes that make even more delicious leftover brown-bag lunches.
6. Be conscious of portions: Members of the clean-plate club should try eating multiple small meals spaced throughout the day or use one of these portion-control products to keep the amount of food you're consuming under control.
7. Drink more water all day: Gulping plenty of water prevents headaches from warmer temperatures, but it also improves your skin, suppresses appetite, and helps with belly bloat.
8. Research restaurants ahead of time: Whether you're traveling or have dinner plans with friends, do your research ahead of time and look up the menu online. This way, you can make an informed decision about the healthiest options available that will keep you on track.
9. Snack on fruits and veggies: If you're not sure how to snack, always pick up some produce; fresh fruits and veggies will fill you up naturally, and the fiber will keep you satisfied for longer.
10. Eat when you're hungry: Learning how to differentiate between boredom and hunger can be a struggle. When you stop multitasking meals with other activities, you'll start getting aware about when you're full.
11. Promise to quit crash diets for good: Crash diets just don't work — there are no quick fixes that will sustain a healthier lifestyle. Making a pact to stop the vicious cycle of crash dieting will urge you to make healthier choices you can stick to every day.
12. Take a stand: Make a point to stand up, stretch, or go for a quick walk during the workday. You'll feel more energized when you head back to your desk and ready to handle the rest of your obligations.
13. Back off the booze: An occasional drink is fine, but it's harder to commit to healthy plans when you're constantly hanging at a bar with friends — or dealing with a hangover the next day.
14. Laugh more: Laughing helps keep stress levels low and positive feelings high. You might be surprised to learn that studies have shown that adults who have a sense of humor outlive those who don't.
15. Try a new workout: There's no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to workouts, so if there's anything that has piqued your interest, try it! You'll be more likely to stick to a fitness plan if you're doing something you enjoy.
16. Keep a journal: Keeping a food journal has been proven to make you aware of all your choices and more likely to lose weight. In a similar vein, writing details of all of your workouts keeps you on track and connected to your fitness goals.
17. Find a partner in crime: It's possible to do it all on your own, but having a friend or partner who's doing their best to lead a similar lifestyle makes everything easier. You'll have someone to bounce ideas off of and head to the gym with, even when you're not in the mood.
18. Turn off the tube: Spending countless hours in front of the TV every day keeps you away from more productive activities. For your must-watch TV shows, combine the time with exercise.
19. Shut down electronics earlier: Make sure you turn off all your electronics at least20 minutes before bedtime. Keeping electronics on while you sleep can disrupt your circadian and melatonin rhythms and make your body think it's still daytime.
20. Get to bed on time: Not getting enough sleep can lead to a whole slew of consequences from higher blood pressure to memory loss. Be sure to get at least seven hours of sleep every night to keep you alert and energized to take on the day.