It’s April…how are those New Year’s resolutions coming along? Are you still on track, or did all the wheels fall off right around the Superbowl? Let’s face it, we all need some “tough love” when it comes to our health commitments. There is no magic bullet, the easy way out is generally the wrong way, and quick fixes never stand the test of time. Here are some tips to help you improve your health every day. They are easy, tiny commitments that add up!

Eat more non-starchy vegetables –
Eating more healthfully usually includes more fresh veggies, but don’t make the mistake of gravitating towards the calorie-packed, easy-to-overeat variety like potatoes, beans and corn. Tortilla chips are not a vegetable! Make sure half your plate includes fiber- and nutrient-dense veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and leafy greens. They also contain a lot of water and help keep you hydrated. Try new veggies instead of eating the same ones all the time. For example, if you like spicy foods like wasabi, try radishes; they have a zesty zing you may enjoy! This simple adjustment can help you lose weight without counting calories. Easy peasy!

Eat whole fruits –
Fruits eaten in their whole form (including the peel if edible) provide water, fiber, vitamins, minerals and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants help your body quell inflammation, which contributes to heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other health issues. Berries, apples, kiwis, peaches and citrus are just a few low-sugar fruits you can start adding to your cart.

Avoid sweetened drinks and artificial sugar substitutes –
You can consume a lot of sugar fast when it’s in liquid form. We’re talking about those large coffee drinks, juices, sodas, iced teas, energy drinks, sports drinks and even some flavored waters. For example, a 12-oz can of soda contains 39 grams of sugar…that’s 10 teaspoons! And if you think “diet” versions are better, research has shown that artificial sweeteners (which are chemicals) make you more likely to overeat and are not necessarily healthier for your heart.

Everyone knows “sitting is the new smoking” and that living a sedentary lifestyle is bad for your health. If you hate working out at a gym, find some activity that you enjoy and start doing it regularly. Taking a walking break during the day, taking the stairs, busting out a few squats while you’re watching TV, using a stand-up desk or just parking farther away from the store all add up. Your future body will thank you!

Let’s face it, how good do you look when you’re suffering from sleep deprivation? Better yet, how well do you think? Research has shown that chronic sleep loss puts you at more risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Some solutions to promote sound snoozing are: going to bed at the same time every day (this trains your internal clock), turning off electronics an hour before bed, not eating at least three hours before bed and setting a cooler temperature in your house at bedtime. If you’ve done some exercise during the day this often helps with sleep later, too.

Find ways to alleviate stress –
When you’re stressed, your body can’t digest or sleep well, so this tip complements our previous points. The time you carve out to meditate, pray, play with your pets or work at a hobby will deliver returns of more productivity later. Your life is busy—you don’t have time to neglect your need to recharge! By the way, salt therapy has a relaxing effect on the nervous system and promotes an overall feeling of wellbeing—so come and see us!

We hope these easy health commitments help you maintain habits to improve your health all year long, regardless of trends, fads and the occasional New Year’s resolution. Good foundational habits will help your body maintain its balance and state of wellbeing naturally, just as it was created to do.