17 People On The Healthy Routine That Changed Their Lives
"I make sure to eat one healthy meal at lunch so that, no matter what else happens that day, I get the good stuff in and I know I’ve fed my body in a way that will keep me going."
1. “I started waking up an hour before I needed to get ready, and I didn’t have any specific tasks to accomplish in that time, it just gave me an extra hour to do things slowly and peacefully. I could make a decent breakfast, enjoy my coffee, do a bit of reading, and wake up to the world. I didn’t feel so rushed, and I had a ton more energy every day. -Caitlyn, 23
2. “I started a new workout routine, where I alternated light weight lifting on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with cardio on Tuesday and Thursday. I’m never over-exerting myself, and I always feel that ‘post-workout’ high.” -Jason, 26
3. “I start the morning with a little yoga on my hardwood floor. I face the sun, take deep breaths, and do a couple of basic poses. My blood starts flowing in the most amazing way.” -Elia, 29
4. “I don’t know if there is any science behind this, but it really helps me — after I overindulge in snack foods, I make myself eat a piece of fruit. Something about switching my brain from ‘unhealthy’ to ‘healthy’ makes it so that I can get back to normal, and I don’t feel the crazy processed sugar spike.” -Jane, 21
5. “I got a dog, and take him on long walks twice a day. It’s awesome.” -Hamilton, 30
6. “Just committing to a schedule. Whenever I sign up for a race — even though I hate it — or book my class the day before, I stick with the routine and it makes the whole world go smoother.” -Clara, 25
7. “I make sure to eat one healthy meal at lunch so that, no matter what else happens that day, I get the good stuff in and I know I’ve fed my body in a way that will keep me going. If I don’t force myself, I’ll forget to eat the leafy greens or the dense grains.” -Alex, 29
8. “I snack on little, healthy things throughout the day. Fruit, nuts, veggies, granola, etc. I just keep something by me and when I’m hungry, I can reach for something good and not binge on a huge dinner that night. It keeps me fueled without being too heavy.” -Jamie, 27
9. “Switching from coffee to tea made a huge difference in my life. Now, when I have a coffee, it’s like a rare treat. My energy is just as good.” -Hailey, 30
10. “I keep a big water bottle with me at all times, and I’m always drinking. I drink so much water every day, and I’m hungry not even half the time I used to be. So much of hunger is about thirst.” -Kevin, 32
11. “I walk to work instead of taking the train. It’s probably 25 minutes — and sometimes, if it’s really hot or cold, I’ll still take the train — but it’s a great way to get in almost an hour of exercise ‘for free.’ I don’t even realize it and I’ve burned calories.” -Michaela, 22
12. “I drink a big glass of water before every meal. I’m never as hungry as I think I am.” -Kelly, 29
13. “Finding a few things that are really healthy, but that I genuinely enjoy eating, has made a huge difference for me. I always have a cup of blueberries and almonds at my desk, and it never feels like I’m ‘trying to eat healthy,’ it just is delicious and natural.” -Pauline, 28
14. “When my girlfriend is trying to get me to eat a healthy food, I always try it at least three different ways before I decide I don’t like it. I thought I hated kale until I had it toasted with a little parmesan, lemon, garlic, and pine nuts. Now I can eat pounds of it.” -James, 30
15. “I work out at lunch. It gives me a boost for the rest of the afternoon, and it’s neither cutting into my nightlife or making me wake up really early.” -Ben, 31
16. “I forgot about calories. I don’t think in terms of calories — I just allow myself to eat as many fruits and veggies as I want, try to listen to myself when I’m full, and be reasonable about the other stuff. I eat so much better without even thinking about it.” -Julie, 24
17. “Going to bed early!!! I started going to sleep no later than 10 PM on weeknights, and it’s like my whole life is different. I love waking up feeling rested. Everything is easier when you’ve gotten some good sleep (and I used to stay up til 3 AM). Sleep!” -Naomi, 30 
