Some people make it look so easy. They juggle family, work, and social commitments with the greatest of ease while managing to stay fit, healthy, and sharp. They always seem to have enough time to prepare a healthy meal, and they never, ever miss a workout.

Then there are the rest of us who stare from the sidelines and ask, “are those people even real?”

Yes – yes, they are. Believe it or not, there is hope for the rest of us because it turns out that incorporating positive health habits into your crazy, busy life is as simple as making a few minor tweaks. 

Here are eight easy hacks that will put you on the path to a healthier new you without making a massive dent in your lifestyle.

1.  Cook For A Crowd

Making dinner after working every day can be torture, even for the most ardent weekend chef. So… While chopping and sautéing, do yourself a favor and make enough for another night or two. By cooking a few extra servings, you will make the most of your limited time. Plus, you will be a lot less likely to tap Door Dash when there’s a healthy, home-cooked meal waiting in the fridge for tomorrow.

(Bonus Hack: Chop a few extra vegetables to keep in the refrigerator for an easy-to-grab, healthy snack.)

2. Chill Out: Keep Some Frozen Fruit And Veggies On Hand

Frozen fruit and vegetables are easy to purchase, they last a long time in your freezer, and they take almost no time to prepare. And studies show people who keep frozen produce on hand consume more of the good stuff.

Use frozen fruit and veggies in smoothies or on top of oatmeal and cereal. For dinner, there’s nothing easier than searing some frozen, pre-chopped veggies in a pan and pairing them with a lean protein or whole grain. Don’t forget to make extra.

3. Supersize Your Fiber – And Cut Down Your Food Intake

Americans eat way too much food and way too little fiber. The recommended daily amount of fiber is 38 grams, but most of us only eat about 10 grams by the end of the day!

Fiber is filling – so when you add it to your diet, you can eat less and stay full longer. The trick is to cut down your serving size incrementally while filling up on more fiber-rich foods like beans, bran flakes, broccoli, pears, and berries. 

4. Know The Healthiest Fast Food

Sometimes fast food is your only option. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the nutritional facts most fast-food restaurants post online, so you know before your in the drive-thru lane. Most popular fast-food chains offer a few healthy options – so it’s easier than ever to choose wisely. 

5. Be Ready To Get Fit

This is our favorite easy hack. Instead of rushing through your Saturday morning chores in your PJs, try pulling on something more athletic, like your favorite sweats and a pair of comfy sneakers. You’ll be ready for anything – and who knows where your feet will take you? Squeezing in a quick walk around the block is a lot easier when you are already dressed for fitness.

6. Calendar It

You have probably heard the quote, “what gets scheduled gets done.” Just as you calendar your work and home commitments, calendar your fitness routines because they deserve just as much priority in your life. Set up alerts and reminders to help you stay on track and keep your commitment to yourself, just like you would with a doctor’s appointment or an important meeting. Planning is key.

7. Make Fitness Fun

Engage your body and feed your mind by peppering some variety into your routine. Walk and explore the city where you live, visit a museum, volunteer for a beach clean-up. When the streetlights come on, grab a partner and go dancing, or take the kids to a roller rink and strap on some skates. 

Sweat is easier and feels better when you’re wearing a smile. 

8. Take Special Care Of Your Most Important Organ

Lastly, don’t forget about the most critical part of your well-being – your brain.

As we age, we naturally become more forgetful.  We also experience more brain fogginess and loss of mental energy by the end of the day, which dampens our motivation.

Brain health supplements that contain specific neuro-nutrients support your brain’s health and have been shown to increase mental clarity and energy, improve memory, and boost your attitude.

Stonehenge Health’s Dynamic Brain provides potent dosages of essential vitamins and minerals that an aging brain needs every day. Dynamic Brain also contains cognition-enhancing ingredients like Bacopa, Choline, and Huperzine-A._(1-3)

When you have mental energy and clarity, you are more likely to have the energy to do a fitness class after work and prepare a healthy meal instead of resorting to take-out.  Plus, you’ll have the motivation you need to stick to your new, healthier way of living.

Sources:
1. C., Stough, Nathan P., Lloyd J., Clarke J., Hutchison C., Downey L., and Rodgers T. 2001. “The Chronic Effects Of An Extract Of Bacopa Monniera (Brahmi) On Cognitive Function In Healthy Human Subjects”. Psychopharmacology 156 (4): 481-484. doi:10.1007/s002130100815.
2. “Nutritional Importance Of Choline For Brain Development”. 2021. Journal Of The American College Of Nutrition. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0
3. Mei, Zhengrong, Peiying Zheng, Xiangping Tan, Ying Wang, and Bing Situ. 2017. “Huperzine A Alleviates Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress And Improves Cognitive Function After Repetitive Traumatic Brain Injury”. Metabolic Brain Disease 32 (6): 1861-1869. doi:10.1007/s11011-017-0075-4.