If you were to tell my freshman self that I don’t eat goldfish crackers everyday, she wouldn’t believe you.

I am so thankful I was able to start my healthy lifestyle, and I want to share some tips on how to get started!

First off you need to make the decision to go healthy. Why are you doing this? Remember your reason!

Make a plan! I decided to eat healthy for 21 days(with like one cheat day a week). After the 21 days I had built so many habits and well it’s over 2 years later now. Do some research, and try to find a plan that works for you. There are so many different options, and everyone is different. Do some reasearch and possibly keep a journal!

What a lot of people do not understand is your nutrition is most important thing. I personally fixed my diet before the gym was even a thought. I was already active with the sports I did and I immediately dropped some weight.

After I stopped eating so much processed foods I noticed a change in myself(besides my appearance). I felt so much more energized. I had so much more power to put into my dance and tumbling. I have heard for some people that when they changed their diet they experience some sluggishness for a few days(I never did though).

If your goal is to lose weight try gradually decreasing your caloric intake a bit, and putting yourself in a small deficit (300-500 fewer calories). After a few weeks build it back up. Tracking macros can be helpful in the beginning to help you see what’s in your food, but don’t let it control you. I counted macros and calories for over a year, and after a while it made me not want to eat vegetables because they were a “carb”. Just typing that out sounds really stupid to me. EAT YOUR VEGGIES!!! Also carbs and calories give you fuel and energy so don’t starve yourself. Have fun trying new healthy recipes!!

After you have your nutrition in check, work on sleeping more. When you sleep your body does a lot of its digestive work. Sleeping more will also obviously reduce tiredness, giving you more energy to accomplish your goals.

Next work on working out! It doesn’t have to be going to the gym 6 times a week(unless you’re me and you actually enjoy that lol). If you play a sport just keep it up! You could simply put on your headphones and go for a 30 minute brisk walk. I personally HATE running, but some people are really about that. I’ve also tried zumba and kickboxing. There is something for everyone, you just need to find it!

Lastly try to reduce stress. This is something I personally struggle with a lot. If you have a cheat meal, or miss a workout it is okay! If you ate one healthy meal and worked out once does that make you healthy? NO! So why would one meal, or one workout ruin your progress. Don’t overly restrict yourself! Live healthy, but also live happy!