We have more health and wellness information at our fingertips today than we have ever had access to before. It is overwhelming and confusing. This information overload may actually be detrimental to our quest for wellness. Not knowing where to start or what to follow could be inhibiting people from creating the sustainable changes they need to be healthier.

Don’t get me wrong, it is important to be aware of GMOs and how different exercises impact the body. But for the person who needs to start and create healthy habits that stick, these details shouldn’t be the focus.

So, let’s simplify things. Like seriously simplify.  

Most people know what they need to improve in order to have the health they want for whatever reason they want it. You could probably list them without even peeking at the list below. Whatever ideas you come up with will likely fit in these 3 key actions for healthy living.

1. EAT BETTER
2. MOVE MORE
3. HAVE SELF-CARE

If you aren’t currently implementing these but want to, let’s stop over-complicating what it means to “eat better,” “move more,” and “have self-care.” We need to implement these three habits in a sustainable manner before we get into the nitty gritty of sugar in coffee, probiotics, varying workouts, adopting a certain eating matra, or any of the other popular advice easily accessible on the internet. Without these three simple concepts, much of the more complex health information won’t even matter.

These are the simple basics. And they have simple guidelines. And you can seriously keep it this simple when implementing them in your life.

Let’s approach these in a simple manner. (Yes, I know that’s a whole lot of “simple,” but I’m driving home a point.)

Spoiler alert ahead. I am going to debunk the myths you may think or have read and then give you the true guiding principle for each of the three basic habits. If you keep going back to these truths, no matter what, you’ll be living healthy. Some of these may seem super obvious. But sometimes we ignore the obvious because we can’t believe it can be that simple.

Spoiler Alert: There is no perfect “diet.” Diet is a horrible word to use, but whatever you call it -nutrition plan or eating mantra-  none of them have instant results.

Guiding Principle: Eat a variety of real, whole food. This applies whether you want to be a vegan or go paleo. Bottom line – eat real, really real, whole foods. It is the source. No ingredients label. First, you will probably start to feel better and your mood will improve.  Second, you will notice your weight drop, but that may take a little time. Remember, this is about having an overall healthy lifestyle, not just weight loss.

Spoiler Alert: There is also no perfect work out that instantly cures all. And you can’t out-move horrible eating.

Guiding Principle: Get into the habit of increasing your activity. Some movement is better than none. Find what you enjoy. And then do it consistently.

Spoiler Alert: This isn’t selfish. It also doesn’t have to be excessive or time consuming.

Guiding Principle: Intentionally find moments to break away from the non-stop rush, never-ending busyness, always going, and stress inducing activities that consume your every waking minute. What small thing can you do to decrease stress and re-energize yourself? Alcohol or violence are not good answers. Could you work on a hobby? Write or journal? Take 5 minutes of quiet time? Read a real book? Also, get quality sleep. Sleep is key! Consider it non-negotiable.

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I am not delusional. I fully realize implementing these simple things can still be a struggle. Creating sustainable habits is challenging. It often seems like a lot of work, too time consuming, or even as if it isn’t worth the effort. The truth is, we encounter lots of obstacles to good health and wellness, but that is for a post for another time. 

But here is the good news!! There is a way to overcome, and it is actually a SIMPLE approach. I will share more about my strategy in the next post.

I know I can’t handle many more complications in my life, so I need simple strategies for making sustainable changes that improve my health. I’d guess you do, too. So remember, eat better, move more, and have self-care. When all the confusing and complicated information about wellness starts to swirl around your head, just go back to these three basic principles and you’ll stay on the path to becoming your best self!

To your best healthy and wellness,

Jen