Sane & Easy Ways to Stay Healthy

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Making significant healthy lifestyle changes—and maintaining them for the rest of your life--might seem next to impossible at first. But don't worry! At SparkPeople, we believe in taking small and manageable healthy steps that eventually become lifelong habits. Our sponsors at Meta also believe that small changes can lead to good things, and they even have a name for it: the Meta Effect. When you make a healthy choice like taking the stairs or eating a Meta Health Bar for a snack, you may continue to make good choices to keep the streak going.

We've talked to several people who have changed their lives through this step-by-step approach--and now, they're sharing their secrets with you in this success story series! Donna has struck her perfect balance with an everything-in-moderation approach. Here are her secrets of success!

1. What are some of your favorite ways to sneak in small bits of activity throughout the day?  
I make sure to take the stairs instead of the elevator and am always trying to go a little further when walking the dogs. I also love doing quick workout videos when I'm pressed for time. Every minute of exercise counts! (Short on free time to sneak in a workout? Donna really likes this simple six-minute routine.)
 
2. What small nutrition tweaks have you made to help you eat better and get healthier?  
I drink plenty of water, and I always have my snacks prepared in advance and remember to bring them with me during the day. If I don't have them prepared ahead of time, the food sits in the fridge all week and I never eat it! (Don't leave home without a proper snack! Check out these satisfying snack ideas.)
 
3. What's your mantra that gets you through a tough workout (or a rough day)?  
Breathe in and breathe out... it will be okay. (Find your own motivational mantra here.)
 
4. Healthy living shouldn't be about deprivation! What small changes have you ADDED to your routine for a healthier, happier life?  
When I crave something, I try to satisfy that craving in moderation. Otherwise, I find that I will end up overeating other foods anyway and will still not be satisfied. (Don't deprive yourself! Conquer your cravings for good with these ideas.)
 
5. It's important to do activities you enjoy to help you stick with an active lifestyle. What's your favorite way to exercise?  Walking outside in nature at the park is my favorite form of exercise. (Donna has the right idea—getting outside is extremely good for you! Here's why.)  
 
6. What are some of your favorite healthy snacks that keep you full on the go?  
When I want something sweet, I go for some apples with honey and cinnamon. For savory cravings, I reach for popcorn. Sometimes I'll have a couple fun-sized bars of chocolate to treat myself. Everything in moderation. (Need more snack ideas? Reach for a Meta Health Bar or one of these filling snacks to help satisfy your hunger in a healthy way.)
 
7. How do you manage to keep a positive outlook when times get tough?  
Just take things one day at a time… and try not to say bad words! (Follow Donna's lead and look on the bright side.)
 
8. What's your go-to motivational technique when you don't feel like eating healthy or working out?  
I dust myself off and start over again the next day. (Kick your motivation into high gear all year long with these tips.)
 
9. How has your life changed since you started making small changes to get healthier? What can you do now that wasn't possible before you started your journey?  
I have started and stopped my healthy journey so many times, it almost seems like I am standing still. However, my blood pressure and cholesterol are better now than they have been in the past seven years, so I'm moving in the right direction! (Small changes over time can make a big difference in your health! Take the 30-Day Small Changes Challenge to start feeling better right away.)
 
10. What's the biggest lesson you've learned along your healthy-living journey?
Do-overs are always possible, and it is never too late to start over again. Don't let your mistakes keep you from success! Just acknowledge those slip-ups and learn from them. If you can learn from your mistakes, they are training tools. Even if you don't learn from them, they are just mistakes that you can move on from and are usually reversible. (Make the most of your mistakes with these easy tips!)
 
This series is brought to you by Meta, a SparkPeople sponsor. This SparkPeople member received Meta product to sample and opted into the Meta Influencer Program.