A lifestyle change is one of the best investment you can make for your health because it has a huge payoff in the long run. Eating right, avoiding all the junk food, adhering to a workout plan, and sleeping for at least eight hours a day – these are just some of the lifestyle changes you can commit for a better you in 2019. However, changing habits is easier said than done.

Healthy resolutions are easier to plan than to execute, which is why most of us fail to live up to the promises we make to ourselves at the beginning of the year. First of all, it requires discipline to be able to turn your unhealthy lifestyle around.

Secondly, you might think that your busy schedule is getting in the way but always remember the famous maxim, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” So no matter how many deadlines you have to meet, it’s important to not let the stress affect your way of living. Here are some effective ways you can stick to your health goals even if you’re a busy bee:

Walk, Walk, and Walk

Do you take a cab to work every day despite it being just a few blocks away from your apartment? You can always wake up a little extra early to walk to the office and save money in the long run. Of course, any activity that can get your heartbeat up is a nice way to burn calories. Moreover, physical activity isn’t solely limited to walking to your work. You can also use the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator or try heading to the grocery store on foot especially if it’s close to where you live.

Drink Plenty of Water

In almost every article and research about fitness, experts advise drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated at all times. They’re absolutely and undeniably right, although nobody said this was an easy feat. Always understand that hydration is crucial for good blood circulation, boosting metabolism and curbing your appetite. The point is, no matter how busy you are, you need to drink water to stay hydrated, which means that not having enough time is an unacceptable excuse for poor drinking habit.

To make sure you remember to drink water, bring with you a reusable bottle everywhere you go, from meetings to walks to the gym. Plus, unlike other beverage that packs sugar and calories, water will never make you gain weight like other unhealthy flavored drinks. Little steps go a long way, so for starters, try replacing your morning juice with water.

Bring Food with You Anywhere

Look, the point of having a healthy lifestyle is pointless if you’re not preparing your own food or keeping track of what goes inside your body. It might sound ridiculous to bring your food everywhere you go but here’s an explanation for this: the more you starve yourself, the more likely you are to eat unhealthy foods. The key here is to eat small meals frequently keep yourself from getting hungry. Make sure to consume healthy foods that are filling instead of those that pack zero health benefits.

That said, avoid junk food and sugar-loaded beverage, which are the common foods most people crave when they start a new healthy routine. Your hectic schedule is not the reason to order takeout since you can always prepare food in advance to store in the refrigerator for the entire week. This way, you’re sure that your meals are not only clean but are prepared with fewer preservatives. If you’re on the go, pack some healthy snacks with you that will keep you energized and satiated until mealtimes. Some healthy and high protein snacks include nuts, tuna salad, or roasted chicken.

Try Spicing Up Your Coffee

If you’re a coffee person who needs a Cup of Joe to get the day started, there’s no need to rush to your local coffee shop. You can always try to mix things up a bit and opt for a homemade coffee with healthier ingredients. Instead of buying lattes or other blended drinks from Starbucks, why not brew your own coffee at home first thing in the morning? This way you can add your own healthy ingredients like plant-based milk instead of creamer and stevia instead of regular sugar.

Be Active

You may be tired of reading this and hearing it from your fitness coach all the time but it’s a general rule. As mentioned, anything that keeps you moving, no matter how small the activity is – it is important to just be active. At your house, if you can’t go to the gym, find other means, even if these are silly looking. For example, you can do squats while brushing your teeth or do lunges while you’re waiting for food to cook.