From the Blogosphere: Simple Tips for Starting the New Year Healthy!

The best advice is simple and actionable. We all need some good advice to start the new year on a healthy foot. I did a bit of crowdsourcing from some of my favorite bloggers. I asked, “In 10 words or less what is your best tip for starting the year off healthy and sticking to New Year’s resolutions?” I got an awesome response. There were a lot of common tips, too – great minds think alike!

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I also loved this quote from Kristin Armstrong: In 2015, “Work, but don’t forget to live.” Amen. See her post here via Runners World’s Zelle site.

Here goes:

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Theme 1Gradual changes work; No step is too small of a step in the right direction.

  • Riyanti says, “Something is better than nothing so take the first step.” Check out more from Riyanti @ Run-nerd Mom Run
  • Natali says, “start with small changes each day to make it better than yesterday.” Check out more from Natali @ The Race That Never Ends
  • Emily says, “Doing something ‘small’ towards your goals is better than nothing!” Check out more from Emily @ Out and About
  • Ruth says, “Small changes in your habits make for big results!” Check out more from Ruth @ She’s Wicked Healthy
  • Ultramarathoner Heidi says : Make big goals + break them down into small ones!” Check out more from Heidi at Run.around.aroo
  • Katie says, “I’m focusing on one habit a month starting with walking in the mornings!” Check out more from Katie @ Live Half Full
  • Heather says, “Make small changes daily!” Check out more from Heather @ Fit ‘n’ Cookies
  • Kristin says, “Small changes add up to a big difference in the long run.” And “Each small step gives you a better “new normal!” Check out more from Kristen @ Exploring Domesticity
  • Alysia says, “Implement one change or goal at a time. For example, eating more sweet potatoes and black beans instead of refined carbs at meals, or completely a one month workout calendar. Throwing yourself into too much change at once will often lead to failure – and you can do this!” Check out more from Alysia @ Slim Sanity
  • Kathryn says, “Break large goals down into smaller goals or milestones.” Check out more from Kathryn @ Dancing to Running
  • Lauren agrees with many others, “Small changes add up!” Check out more from Lauren @ Breathe Deeply and Smile
  • Brandi says, “Start with small, gradual changes and expand from there.”
  • Elizabeth says, “Break goals down into bite-sized pieces. Start from the end (I will ___). Then walk backwards through the steps all the way to the beginning. Make sure you can do a few of those tiny bite-sized pieces each day (or week, depending on your goal).” Check out more from Elizabeth @ Train with Bain
  • Nora says, “A little bit everyday goes a long way- a 5 minute workout is better than no workout.” Check out more from Nora @ Adventures of a Mother Daughter Duo

Theme 2 – Be smart with your training and bring a friend!

  • Anne Marie says,  “Find a workout buddy and support each other.” Check out more from Anne Marie @ Found Myself Running
  • Annabelle says “Frequency first, then quality, quantity, and/or intensity.” Check out more from Annabelle @ Fluency’s Folly
  • Eric says “Listen to your body (i.e. heart rate) to avoid over training.” – he should know he ran a ton of PRs in 2014! Check out more from Eric @ This Hobbit Runs
  • Erin suggests, “Be consistent 80% of the time.” Check out more from Erin @ Eri-thon and Loop Looks
  • Susie has 2 awesome pieces of advice “There is no single right way to train. If something isn’t working, adapt!” and “Listen to your body, but know that it can cry wolf!” Check out more from Susie @ The Suzlyfe
  • Nicole says, “Schedule time for workouts.” Check out more from Nicole @ Apples and Arteries
  • Sharon says, “Find a fitness friend! You can keep each other accountable.” Check out more from Sharon @ Mommy Runs It
  • Christiana offers several good options: “Work out in the morning so you don’t have any ‘I’m tired and hungry and the gym looks crowded’ excuses,” “eat clean and drink water,” and “rest one day a week but workout walk the other six.” Check out more from Christiana @ Spilling Coffee and Dropping Things

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Theme 3 – Eat real food, pay attention and plan your meals!

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Theme 4 – Have the right attitude!

  • Maggie reminds us, “It’s supposed to be fun.” (Amen, Maggie!) www.magmilerunner.com
  • Jessica says, “Healthy is happy.” Check out more from Jessica @ Healthy is Happy
  • Amanda says, “It’s all about the story! Regardless of the level of success for each adventure, we leave behind a story. Usually an entertaining one!” Check out more from Amanda @ Too Tall Fritz
  • Annmarie remind us, “It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.” Check out more from Annmarie @ The Fit Foodie Mama
  • Kristen reminds us, “Don’t be intimidated by all the super – fit folks at the gym. Most of them have been exactly where you are now.” Check out more from Kristen @ Good ‘n Good for Ya
  • Kaila is wise beyond her years. She says, “LIVE. Don’t just do.” Check out more from Kaila @ Healthy Helper
  • Sarah says, “Rise to meet challenges – you can do great things!” Check out more from Sarah @ Fit Betty
  • Kelli says, “Progress, not perfection!” Check out more from Kelli @ Run 4 One
  • Hilary says, “Get out of your comfort zone – you can do it!” Check out more from Hilary @ Embrace the Neon
  • Maralana says, “#GoDoBe and always know your why. Go where you want to. Do what you want to Be who you want to be.” Check out more from Maralana @ www.maralana.com
  • Melanie says, “Come up with word or phrase that motivates you! Make it your mantra!” Check out more from Melanie @ Runner Girl in a Rocking World

21498Theme 5Get enough sleep!

Theme 6Don’t forget to take care of yourself and focus on balance and moderation!

  • Coco says, “Put on your own oxygen mask first. — It’s essential to take time to take care of yourself, even if you have to care for others.” Check out more from Coco @ Got to Run for Me
  • Jill says, “When I placed as much importance on my self-worth as I always have on my physical health I began to feel like this is the best version of ME!” Check out more from Jill @ Jill Conyers
  • Kathleen says, “Everyone has a starting point. Embrace it and charge forward.” Check out more from Kathleen @ The Panda Post
  • Lauren offers, “Balance! Have a little of what you love in moderation.” Check out more from Lauren @ Lauren Lives Healthy
  • Tricia says, “Be the best version of you. Don’t compare yourself to others.” Check out more from Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes
  • Kayla says “Don’t be a know it all!” Check out more from Kayla @ Variety by Vashti

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Theme 7Set goals, make a plan and track your progress.

Wow! So much great advice and so many like minded thinkers! I love it! Please show these folks some love on their blogs if you like their advice and leave your best 10 word tip in the comments!

Wishing you all happiness and health (and great finds) in 2015!