5 Tips to Keep Your Healthy Lifestyle Change Going

Introduction

Replacing a bad habit with a good habit takes time and patience. It requires several steps, from setting your goals to getting support. One of the important steps is figuring out what your barriers are.

What has stopped you from changing your eating habits in the past? What do you think might stop you in the future? Identifying these barriers now—and having a plan to help you get past them—will help you change bad habits into good habits.

A barrier is anything that causes you to slip up in your goal to make lifestyle changes, such as changing your eating habits.

Figuring out what those barriers are and how you can get around them can help you reach your healthy eating goals.

When you hit a barrier, get support—from your family, friends, or doctor.

Slip-ups are normal. Expect them and have a plan for how to get back on track.

Here are five ways to stay on track.

Think again about your reason for making a health change.

You had at least one good reason for getting started.

What was it?

Now is a great time to remember and commit to it again.

Look at what's working for you—and what isn't.

Ask yourself which healthy habits are already a part of your daily routine and why?

How could you make this change easier?

Write down your answers and reflect on how you can address what's holding you back.

Deal with whatever is in your way.

Change often comes with obstacles.

Plan ahead so when they come up, you'll know how you can get around them.

For example, if you keep forgetting your workout gear, keep an extra set in your car or at your workplace.

Remember that you're learning, not failing.

Everyone has setbacks.

Turn yours into lessons by thinking about what you could do differently to make this change work for you.

Setbacks are just tools that can help you fine-tune your plan for success.

Get support from friends and family.

You've already made it this far.

Think about the support you need and where you can find it.

Try connecting with a friend and taking on a challenge together.

Or join a group that will help you stay motivated.

So that's five ways to keep making progress:

1. Think again about your reason.
2. Look at what's working—and what isn't.
3. Deal with whatever is in your way.
4. Remember that you're learning, not failing.
5. Get support.

Change is hard.

We all mess up.

Things get in our way.

It happens to everyone.

When it does, take a deep breath, and use these tips to keep on track.