Life happens. Sometimes, despite our best intentions to eat “clean” and stay healthy, we find ourselves at the bottom of a family-sized bag of chips or surviving on takeout for a week straight.
When you’re trying to shift your diet, it can feel like you’re swimming against a tidal wave of busy schedules and ultra-processed convenience. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, bloated, or just plain tired, it might be time for a healthy lifestyle reset.
If you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of bad habits, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, use these five approachable steps to hit the reset button and get yourself back on track.
1. Start Small with Water First
If you feel overwhelmed, don’t try to change every meal at once. Start with hydration. Water impacts every single system in your body, from your brain function to your digestion.
- The Pro-Tip: Trouble picking water? For every non-water drink you have (like coffee or soda), commit to drinking one full glass of water first. It’s an easy win!
2. Prioritize Your Protein
Protein is the building block of muscle and, more importantly, keeps you feeling full so you aren’t reaching for sugary snacks an hour after lunch.
- Make it Easy: Spend 30 minutes prepping complete protein sources for the week. Boil eggs, cook a batch of quinoa, or brown ground meat. Having these ready to grab makes staying on track effortless.
3. Focus on Fiber
Fruits and vegetables are packed with fiber, which acts like a broom for your digestive tract.
- The Benefit: Fiber—especially the kind found in fruit—helps prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes1. Plus, the influx of vitamins and antioxidants gives your body the biological “green light” it needs to ramp up your energy levels. Start by incorporating a side of fruit or veggies with every meal.
4. Support Your Gut
Did you know your gut and your brain are constantly talking to each other? This is called the gut-brain axis. If your gut is unhappy due to processed foods, your mood and focus usually suffer too2.
- Probiotics: Incorporate yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, kimchi, or cottage cheese to add friendly bacteria to your system.
- Prebiotics: Feed those bacteria with garlic, onions, bananas, apples, asparagus, and avocados.
Ready to Get Started with Your Lifestyle Reset?
We truly believe that shifting toward less processed, simple, whole foods is the most impactful change you can make for your health. You don’t need a complicated diet plan; you just need real food.
The best way to ensure your food is fresh and nutrient-dense is to get it straight from the source. By supporting family farms near you, you’re not just eating better—you’re strengthening your community.
Ready to find the freshest ingredients in your neighborhood? Bookmark Agrocado.com to make finding locally grown and raised foods a breeze. Don’t forget to check out our other beginner-friendly blogs below for more tips on living your healthiest, most vibrant life!
Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Fiber: The Carb That Helps You Manage Diabetes.” Diabetes, CDC, 13 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/healthy-eating/fiber-helps-diabetes.html.
- Appleton J. The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2018 Aug;17(4):28-32. PMID: 31043907; PMCID: PMC6469458.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or doctor before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medical treatment. The authors and the website assume no responsibility for any health outcomes resulting from the use of this information.
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