My Top 5 Non-Negotiable Daily Habits

I have FIVE things I do every day – they are pretty non-negotiable to make my day start and stay on a good track for the day.  These are easy, non-crazy tweaks that have really helped me in this whole health journey.  I’ve been through those times of trying the newest diet, cleanse or detox.  I’ve tried new workouts.  I’ve read tons and tons of diet books, self-help books, health and recipe books.  I’m one of those nerds that is constantly reading and researching health and fitness related info.  However, even with all the stuff flooding the internet, magazines, books, infomercials and television segments, I have found FIVE easy tricks that really help me stay healthy.  I’ve done these FIVE things long enough that they have become habits. . . they are second nature.  And if I get off schedule and off track I can tell immediately.

If you are looking for quick and easy habits to add to your day take a look here and see what you might try.  These are in no particular order . . .

5 TOP NON-NEGOTIABLE DAILY HABITS

1.  Eat Breakfast

I used to be a breakfast skipper.  I had that old, unhealthy mindset that thought it was just added calories and if I could do without I should.  WRONG!  People who eat breakfast regularly lose more weight, since it jump-starts the metabolism, helping the body to burn more fat. Start the day with a smart choice of protein – forget that bowl of cereal!

2.        Keep It Clean

I tend to follow the 80/20 percent rule of eating good and clean 80% of the time and leave 20% for the treat or real life stuff.  This is for simply maintaining and being healthy.  One of the best ways for me to feel good is to eliminate processed foods and eat real, whole foods.  Once I cut out the junk and eat clean I feel so much better and see results.  If I’m trying to cut back and lose some weight I move that number to 90/10.  It’s not a lot of fun, but it gets the job done.

3.  Sweat More Days Than Not Each Week

It’s no secret that I like to sweat.  And lately, I sweat a ridiculous amount whether I like it or not!  But that’s a post for another day.  To maintain my weight I try to get in a good sweaty workout 4-5 days a week.  The other couple of days of the week are less stressful things like yoga, Pilates or a long, power walk.  When it comes to working out and losing weight,  doing the best for heart health, and building lean muscle mass, 30 minutes a few times a week just won’t cut it.  50 – 60 minutes is ideal for a good intense, sweaty workout more days of the week than not.  Mixing these intense sessions with less intense ones is best for me.

4.  Water is My Drink of Choice

I drink water all day long.  I keep a large water bottle with me at all times.  It is recommended that we should drink half of our body weight in water each day.  I think I do that and then some each day.  I make a fresh bottle of water before I go to bed and have it ready when I wake up in the morning.  I drink during and after a workout.  I do not drink soft drinks and rarely drink iced tea.  Other than my morning cup of coffee, it’s water, water, water.  When I am traveling or out of my normal schedule I can tell if I’m not getting enough water.

5.  My Quiet Time

The best thing I do for myself and my health is to begin my day with my quiet, devotional time.  I set my alarm a little earlier than necessary so that I can have a cup of coffee and my daily devotional time.  I get 3 daily ones on my phone and am on my third time of reading through Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  I have my bible at hand to follow up with scripture and have recently begun journaling during this time.  I find that this time alone begins my day in a positive, centered way.  It keeps me grounded, provides me the spiritual, emotional and mental energy to get me through the day.  It is a special, sacred time for me and definitely non-negotiable for my day.

None of these is anything new.  There is no rocket science here.  These FIVE  Non-Negotiables are just easy steps that merely require a little thought and effort to turn them into habits.

What do you do daily for your health?  What are your top five?  What have you given up or added that has helped your health journey?