With the New Year underway, now is the perfect time to share the 7 lifestyle changes to make in 2020. Every new year, I make time to write down goals that I want to accomplish in the new year. Another thing I do is share any lifestyle habits that I want to carry on from the previous year or new habits I want to take up. This year, I recommend these 7 lifestyle changes to make in 2020 for a healthier and happier you.
At the start of the new year, everyone is busy making new year’s resolutions, as someone who is anti-resolutions I think they are a waste of time. Very few people accomplish their new year’s resolution and the majority fail because they are either not committed or they set unrealistic goals that have no heart to them. When I decided to annotate the lifestyle changes to make in 2020, I thought about what I want to achieve.
In 2020, I want to achieve fitness and overall wellbeing and I can achieve that using these 7 lifestyle changes to make in 2020. The changes include;
- Eat breakfast & carry healthy snacks
- Cook homemade meals
- Reduce sugar consumption
- Personal Training
- Follow a strict exercise programme
- Attend the gym 3-times a week
- Follow a simple routine
7 Lifestyle Changes To Make in 2020
Everyone wants to be a healthier and happier version of themselves and this differs depending on the person. I am happy with my current self but I am not healthier, this is something that I have been working on really hard over the last six months and are looking to continue this in the new year. When I wrote the 7 lifestyle changes to make in 2020, the focus was all on achieving a healthier and happier goal at the end of the year.
The processing of achieving my goal of being more healthier and happier is one that I knew would not be easy. This is why I chose to set realistic goals that I know I can push myself outside of my comfort zone to achieve. I also set up a buddy system that keeps me accountable for all the health goals I have set. Having an accountability partner is the best thing one can do as a goal setter.
Eat Breakfast and Carry healthy Snacks
Those who know me know I am a snacker by nature, I find that keeping both my hands and mouth busy I rarely eat junk. But the issue now because, what kind of snacks should I eat, I am not your carrot with hummus kind of girl but I will eat almonds and other nuts. I am slowly educating myself on the type of snacks I can get away with and what to avoid. When it comes to eating breakfast, this is something I am good at already but one thing that needs to change is what kind of cereal I am consuming. I have spent a lot of time researching the kind of cereal I should be eating, definitely ones with no added sugar.
Cook Homemade Meals
Over the course of the last 12 months, I have tried several meal plans from HelloFresh to Gusto but I have found its cheaper to just buy the ingredients myself. This year I intend to only reach fresh produce and meat, the rest of the ingredients I will buy them myself. This is in hopes of saving money and sticking to an eating plan that I can actually follow. What I love about homemade meals as I know exactly what is going into my food and what items I should remove. For those with allergies, there is nothing better than cooking your own food and knowing exactly what has gone into your food.
Reducing Sugar Consumption
As a sugar addict, it has been very hard for me to give up sugar completely but after learning about different types of sugar, I know which I should reduce and which I can continue to have. I was surprised to learn that not all sugar is bad for you, most diets don’t tell you this but rather stipulate you remove sugars completely. This year, my plan is to eat more natural sugars (e.g. from fruits) and avoid processed sugar {refined sugar}. As someone who loves cakes, this will be tough but it is something I know I can do, I have already given up fizzy drinks which was a huge feat.
Personal Training
For as long as I can remember, I have always been opposed to personal training as I don’t like being the only one the trainer is targetting. I am someone who prefers group exercises and functions better in them and until recently I still held on to that belief. Thanks to Andrew of Edge Fitness UK, I now have a personal trainer who helps me work hard and achieve my goals. Its been over 3 months since I started personal training and I enjoy every single experience of it and now have targets to beat.
Follow a Strick Exercise Programme
Over the past 6-months, I have been attending my local gym and I have absolutely loved joining classes, attending PT sessions and doing some alone training. It has not been easy but I am glad to have had the courage to sign up and laying the foundation for a healthier me. This year I am following a ‘leaner’ programmer which will tone my muscles, help me lose weight and be leaner. I am excited to start this programme and can not wait to share the results in 5 weeks time.
Attend the Gym 3-times a week
This is something I am already doing and I love attending the gym sometimes 6 days a week and other times I am happy to rest. I put three times because I don’t want to feel guilty when I choose to rest which is usually on a Sunday. Attending the gym 3 times a week is more practical, I get to spend the rest of the time doing simple workouts at home and mentally preparing myself for the gym.
Follow a Routine
I am a to-do list orientated person and love nothing more than having a routine to follow. I know some people don’t like mundane routines but I think having a routine is good for you both mentally and emotionally. Over the last couple of years, I have followed skincare routines religiously and recently I have a simple sleep routine that I follow to the letter. Having a routine truly is important, when I am having blah days, I just follow my routine and that helps to get me through.
The year has just begun, if you have not already set some intentions to follow this year then do that now. I am excited with the lifestyle changes I am making this year, cooking more and eating out less is something I want to do and reducing processed sugar consumption will be a challenge but one I am ready to take on. If you’re not sure what lifestyle changes to make in 2020 then we hope this post will be helpful or can be used as a guide.
LauraSideStreet (@laurasidestreet) says
These are all really positive and doable changes that will without a doubt benefit your daily life – I really want to reduce my sugar consumption and get more sleep this year
Laura x
Sarah Howe says
These all sound really achievable which is great.All the sort of things I like to try and do too! I do struggle to give up my evening bit of chocolate though!!
Rachel says
Simple and practical changes which is much easier succeed. I need to up my exercise regime.
Kara Guppy says
I am looking forward to some drier weather so I can get out on my bike. Really miss cycling
Talya says
Eating a good fibre rich breakfast is so important and really helps to keep your blood sugar stable. I always carry healthy snacks when I’m in the good there are just too many tempting options out there and if you already have something on you’re far less likely to stuff your face with crisps or chocolate when hunger strikes lol.
Helen says
This is so inspiring! I would also like to reduce my sugar consumption, as it is in so many different things 🙂
clairelomax2018 says
I’ve commented on this one already but interested to see how you’re getting on?
I’ve been increasing the gym and eating better and I’m 10lbs down this year.
Hope the first few months have been good for you x
Rachael says
I love this, changing your lifestyle is much better than trying to fit yourself around your resolutions. Your lifestyle changes sound great, I definitely need to start making healthy snacks and eating properly.
Lyndsey O'Halloran says
I think a routine can really help a lot of things in life. That’s a good chance to make.
ChelseaMamma says
Some great, achieveable goals to follow. I intend to cut down on my sugar intake this year
Kelly-Anne Combes says
These are great goals that are more than achievable. I love the fact that you have made goals that are realistic and attainable. I’m totally with you on the reducing my sugar consumption and making home cooked meals.
Beth says
I agree with all these things… and they are so easy to implement. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Tracey Kifford says
Yep, pretty much everything you’ve mentioned … minus the gym as I prefer to dog walk!
Sarah Howe says
I aim for the gym three times a week if I can, as well as having breakfast! Just think both so important for setting yourself up for the day and feeling good!
lucyclarke123 says
Wow – 6 days at the gym! Go you! I have a gym membership but I use the cafe for work 3 days a week which makes me feel better that I’ve at least used the facilities ha ha. I am trying to get the enthusiasm to visit the gym at least once a week, and I’ll be happy with that. Good luck with your goals, and thank you for the inspo!
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
Those are all great lifestyle change ideas. I’m trying to cut the sugar down as much as possible. It’s not easy though.
Talya says
I do a lot of these already apart from going to the gym as I’m a home workout girl. But I agree eating a good breakfast and carrying healthy snacks are both great ways to avoid temptation.
clairelomax2018 says
This is brilliant, I love the idea of making changes rather than changing for resolutions.
I think they are impossible to stick to if you feel the pressure. But simply making them changes for life is so much better x