21 Little Lifestyle Changes That Will Help You Get Healthier

Diet and fitness plans just weren't built to last. These small tweaks will put you on the path of healthier habits.

Image via: fitsugar / Artwork by Chris Ritter

1. Invest in a good water bottle.

www1.macys.com|d{device}_29831861190%7C-%7ChD2rs0yD

Whether it's polar-insulated, or you just like the feel and the design of it, having a really good water bottle can go a long way to keeping you hydrated.

2. Grow an herb garden.

northcarolinacharm.com

If you have fresh herbs and vegetables at your fingertips, you'll be more likely to cook at home.

3. If you have a hard time sticking to any diet, go with just one simple rule: NO MORE PROCESSED FOODS.

green-mom.com

If you're especially reliant on pre-packaged foods, you'll start feeling better within a week just following this one rule. Cutting out high-fructose corn syrup will make a huge difference unto itself.

4. Use the 20-20-20 rule at work to keep eye strain at bay.

sherlockcares.com

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

5. Slather on the sunscreen every single day.

blog.doctoroz.com

This is pretty much the No. 1 way to keep your skin from aging.

6. If you absolutely must order fast food, get the kids' meal. Or order a couple things off the dollar menu.

Two things off the dollar menu and a salad. This will satisfy your craving without making you feel completely gross afterward.

7. Invest in a slow cooker.

utah.todaysmama.com

The food will be ready for you once you get home from work, eliminating the impulse to eat out because you're too tired to cook. And many of the recipes simply involve throwing ingredients into a pot.

8. Employ the two-bites rule.

Via reddit.com

Take two bite-size morsels of whatever you're craving. Fill up a glass of ice cold water. Eat your first bite. Chug a glass of water. Wait 1–2 minutes, then eat the second bite.

9. Take a food-based multivitamin.

wordpress.com

The cheapest form of health insurance.

10. Do 10 sit-ups and 10 push-ups every morning.

fitsugar.com / Via reddit.com

Eventually you'll be able to increase the number, and you won't be able to fully wake up without doing them.

11. Drink your coffee black.

friedchickenandcoffee.com / Via reddit.com

You'll save calories without the extra additives, and the unmitigated coffee will jump-start your digestive system in the morning.

12. Keep a pair of dumbbells under your bed and another set in your living room.

fabfitsquad.com

Have a few go-to exercises and perform them when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed. Keeping a pair of dumbbells near wherever you watch television will make you compelled to do a few reps during commercial breaks or bouts of boredom.

13. Invest in a Vitamix.

burlingtonyogaconference.com

It's basically the Porsche of the blender world. And you WILL be compelled to put kale in your smoothies because it will be Vitamixed so seamlessly in with your fruit.

14. Memorize the "Scientific 7-Minute Workout" and do it at least every other day.

well.blogs.nytimes.com

Forget all the other "easy workout routines." This one is endorsed by The New York Times. Read more about it here.

15. Make sure that half of every meal comprises veggies, and always eat them first.

poorgirleatswell.com

This is a great rule to employ if you eat out a lot. Chances are, you'll be less likely to eat an entire basket of French fries out of sheer hunger.

16. Trade your soda addiction for seltzer.

If you're trying to drink less soda, transitioning to seltzer is much easier than going straight to water.

17. Stretch for 5–10 minutes before going to sleep.

fitsugar.com

Learn a few calming yoga poses and practice them before going to bed. You'll sleep deeper and feel more in tune with your body.

18. Get used to cold showers.

nutriclub.ie / Via reddit.com

If you're feeling creatively stunted or just a little brain-dead, a cold shower will jolt you back to life. It'll also encourage you to waste less time in the shower. Read more here about why you should switch to cold showers.

19. Start a CSA box subscription.

blog.gthankyou.com

With a fresh box of vegetables at your fingertips, you won't have any more excuses not to eat more vegetables. And since the veggies are fresh, in season, and organic, they'll taste better.

20. Only use your small plates.

Wait at least five minutes before refilling your plate to evaluate whether or not you really need seconds.

21. Do your kegels.

empoweringwellnessnow.com

For guys and girls: You can do them anywhere, they will improve your bladder health AND your sex life.

Want some help looking and feeling your best? Sign up for the BuzzFeed Health & Beauty newsletter!