You Don't Need a Diet (Part 2)

So last time we talked about how the body and health transformation most of us desire comes from a lifestyle change, not a diet. Because we all want results that will last, right?

If so, then continue reading.

Today is all about action. We will never reach our goals if we don't start doing something about it, and there is no better time than right now.

I want to share some changes that you can put into action today. There's nothing magical about these lifestyle changes. But give it time, make use of discipline, and you will start to see and feel a difference.

1. Move

Many of us spend hours a day (at work, in school, at home, in the car) sitting. All that sitting leads to tightness and an idle metabolism. Staying active will improve your mobility and help your body make better use of the food you eat.

It can be as simple as a 15 minute walk every day. That doesn't sound like much, but try walking every day for 6 weeks and I bet you will start to see some positive changes.

This is a great place to start for anyone wanting to increase their activity.

So get up and get moving! I don't really care how you do it. Some sort of activity is better than no activity.

Start with something simple, make it enjoyable and do it often.

2. Eat Some Green Veggies

Spinach, turnip greens, kale, cabbage, collards, broccoli, bok choy, arugula... just to name a few.

Leafy greens are nutrient-dense and will help satisfy appetite. You can't overdue it, in my opinion, so eat as much as you want.

I prefer fresh vegetables, if possible. Canned vegetables are better than no vegetables if you don't have access to fresh produce.

My wonderful wife and I shop for most of our produce at ALDI. They have the best prices on produce in Birmingham, hands down. Sprout's also has some good deals here and there.

As a general rule, buy less junk and more veggies!

3. Drink More Water

This is one I need to work on myself.

I think a lot of people live in a state of mild dehydration. Headaches, lack of energy and mental fogginess are all signs of inadequate hydration.

Next time you feel like you need a little extra boost to get you through the day, think about how much water you've had to drink.

Instead of grabbing another cup of coffee or a coke, you may need to knock back some high quality H2O.

You'll hear different recommendations for how much water you should drink a day. I don't necessarily think you need to drink a certain number of ounces a day, but drink water often.

Try replacing some of your other drinks throughout the day with water. I like taking a reusable bottle to work, so I always have some handy.

Water not only affects brain function, it can also improve gut function, optimize immune system processes and suppress hunger

Choose water over other drinks when you feel thirsty. Water is your friend. :)

4. Eat IN More Than You Eat OUT

You are more likely to eat better, nutrient-dense foods at home than at a restaurant. Try cooking more at home.

There is more planning and preparation involved when you cook at home, but the benefits of eating quality, nutrient-dense food is worth the extra work.

Plus, the cost of eating out adds up fast. The average person spends over $200/month eating out.

Take the money you would spend eating out and buy more meat and veggies at the store.

Good for your body, good for your wallet. It's a win-win.

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These are just some baby steps to get started. Like I said earlier, there is nothing fancy or magical about these small changes. The magic happens after you put in the time and discipline.

Consistency over time is the key to making HUGE transformations. There is nothing sexy about slow, steady gains, but it works! I promise.

Today is the best day to make a change.