These 5 Small Changes Have Big Health Impacts

January is the month most people think about making changes that will improve their health and overall well-being, but we should keep it going all year long. But you don’t have to register for boot camp or go vegan to see improvements. In fact, small changes that are easy to work into your everyday life can make significant health impacts. Here are five to try this month for big benefits. 

1 – Go for Fat

We mean healthy fats! This isn’t an excuse to hit up the drive through, but healthy fats from foods like nuts, olive oil, fatty fish, and avocados support fat burning, healthy immune system function, beautiful skin, and feeling full. There’s no need to fear healthy fats in healthy servings, so make sure you’re getting enough good fats in your diet this year and you’ll enjoy some excellent health benefits. 

2 – Practice Gratitude

What does this have to do with your health? Well, practicing gratitude supports mental wellbeing, which can have a significant impact on physical health, too. Worrying, stressing, and thinking about what you don’t have can leave you anxious and stressed. Simply taking time to practice gratitude daily may rewrite the brain for a happier you, and that can improve your overall wellbeing. 

3 – Pop a Probiotic

Sometimes it’s tough to know what supplements you need, but there’s a lot of science that points to the benefits of having a healthy gut. A simple change you can make to support gut health is to start popping a high-quality probiotic each day, giving your gut microbiome a boost. First though, talk to your doctor about what probiotic might be right for you. 

4 – Track Your Steps

While you do need vigorous exercise, an hour at the gym won’t undo all the negative effects of spending most of your day sitting. Prolonged periods of sitting can even undo some of the great benefits of exercising. A simple way to deal with this problem and improve your health is to start tracking your steps each day. This encourages you to get moving throughout your day, whether it’s taking a walk at the office, taking the stairs, parking farther away from the store, or getting more walks in your day. 

5 – Aim for More Colorful Foods

You know you need to be eating more fruits and veggies, and most Americans don’t get the servings of vegetables and fruits they need. A simple way to make a change is to focus on getting more colorful foods in your diet. Try to eat the rainbow throughout the day, adding orange, green, red, and purple foods to your plate for an easy health boost.