Everything I’m doing to get healthy in 2020. Healthy habits and tips for the new year.
For the first time in my life, I gained weight. In high school through college, I was around the same weight and was never able to gain weight (and trust me I tried). My whole life I’ve been told I’m skinny, small or to eat more. It always bothered me, so I finally decided I wanted to gain weight and oh boy did I. I gained around 12 pounds. As I looked at the scale I was happy. Yay, I hit my weight goal!
Then, I looked in the mirror. I was unhappy with the way my body looked.
I’m 5’2″ so gaining 12 pounds SHOWED. I looked completely different. I honestly didn’t even know my body looked different until recently. I did not like the way I looked. Also, I was small my whole life so to see myself look like that was almost shocking.
Dammit, I thought. Well, that didn’t work. I mean, all I ate was junk. I honestly ate like shit because it was the fastest way to gain weight but all I gained was fat and low self-confidence. I hated how insecure I got. Some days I even hated taking pictures because I didn’t want to remember my body like that.
So, if you hate something enough change it, right? Well, that’s my plan this year.
The plan actually started in November but I’m definitely continuing through this year. I’ve changed a lot of my bad habits from last year into healthier habits.
My main goal was not to lose weight but to be comfortable in my body, feel good, and get toned.
Since I started, I’ve actually only lost a few pounds but I feel SO much better! I wake up refreshed, I don’t feel tired during the day, I appreciate my body, and I love the food I eat. Here’s my daily schedule on how I’m getting healthier in 2020.
Healthy Habits for 2020
Morning
#1: First things first, I sleep for 8 hours every night. Getting eight hours of sleep is essential to living a longer, healthier life. I used to be crazy and only get 5 to 6 because “the grind don’t stop” but now I realize your body needs to rest. One of my best healthy habits for 2020, for sure.
#2: I wake up and immediately drink 8-16 oz of water. I keep a full bottle of water next to my bed every night so it’s easily accessible. If you wake up tired after a full eight hours of sleep, you could be dehydrated! Instead of grabbing a cup of coffee, grab a glass of water and drink the whole thing.
#3: Breakfast is the most important and biggest meal of the day. I love eating oatmeal in the morning, so that’s my breakfast pretty much every day. Sounds crazy and boring but I switch it up all the time. I make it with either strawberries, blueberries, almonds slices, cinnamon, chia seeds, or hemp seeds. I make sure to always add fruit and nuts to feel full the whole morning.
#4: I stopped using a lot of coffee creamer. *teary-eyed emoji* I LOVE creamer. It was the main reason I even liked coffee. Then I realized creamer is just sugar and oil and that grossed me out, and it’s very unnecessary because black coffee is healthy. So, instead of 3 tbsp of creamer (loved that light coffee), I now only do one tbsp, for now. I’m slowly cutting myself off of it and trying to find a healthier option. I hated almond/oat milk in mine so that’s already a no lol.
Afternoon
#5: Eating a big, nutritious salad bowl for lunch. I always post when I make one on my Instagram, so check out my stories for ideas. I just add dark leafy greens, chickpeas, carrots, quinoa, cucumbers, black beans, avocado, and a homemade dressing. I add whatever I have and it comes out so good every time.
#6: I work out for 45 minutes, three times a week. I like to work out around 3 pm because that’s when I start to feel sluggish, so it’s a nice pick me up. I understand not everyone can work out at that time so just workout whenever you can. Being active every day is so important when it comes to maintaining or losing weight.
#7: A green smoothie is a must in the afternoon. If it’s a workout day I use this plant-based protein powder, 1 cup of spinach, and 1/2 a cup of berries. On a regular day, it’s a cup of spinach, a cup of fruit, 1 tbsp of chia seeds, a dash of turmeric, a dash of ginger, and water. So delicious!
Night
#8: I try to eat meat (red, turkey, chicken & seafood) only once a day. I used to have meat for every meal but that’s excessive and unnecessary. I chose when I want to have meat, but it’s usually for dinner. I can go for days without eating meat. I eat different forms of protein like beans, nuts, and grains. I also make sure to take a b-12 supplement (an essential supplement for vegans & vegetarians).
#9: Drink the rest of my water. I try to drink around 60 oz of water every day. Staying hydrated is important because it keeps you energized.
#10: No more late-night snacks. I used to love me a midnight snack but I cut that out because now I eat enough during the day so I’m not hungry at night. Also, it’s important that I’m in bed early to wake up early.
That’s all my healthy habits and tips for 2020! I’ve been doing these habits since November and I feel so much better about myself and my body. 2020 is all about self-confidence, being your best self, and getting shit done. What are your healthy habits? I’d love to know in the comments.
Want to learn more healthy habits and tips for 2020? Check out this post!
Until next time,
FTC: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through my links at no extra cost to you.
Girl, same! I relate to this post so hard. I’m trying to have healthier habits too this year. Not starting out too strong, I too am victim to coffee creamer. I have thought about trying to cut back, so maybe I’ll try in your honor ;D I actually just posted somewhat of a recipe for making iced coffee on my blog, I’ve heard it’s easier to drink black!
I’m honored! As a creamer lover myself, black coffee is not that bad! I always make my iced coffee at home so I have to check out your recipe (:
-erika
All great ideas, many of them I need to implement again. Nice to have a reminder, thank you
Love this! I really need to work on my sleeping habits I stay up WAYYYY to late and then sleep in late too and I hate wasting the whole day. But it’s hard because I’m a total night owl. Also, still trying to figure out my eating habits; I went from vegetarian to keto eating LOTS of meat. It’s been a transition
It is so important to be comfortable in your own skin. Gaining or loosing losing weight is not always going to work. You hit a lot of great points to overall wellness! Best wishes to a healthy 2020!
Thank you! Have a great and healthy year (:
-erika
Yes yes yes!!! 2020 goals! ?? Crush it, girl!
Love this energy!! Same to you!
-erika
One of my goals for 2020 is to get 8 hours sleep a night and drink more water!! Good luck with your goals!
Georgia Rose | http://www.justgeorgiarose.com
Great resolutions! Habits form slowly so don’t give up! Good luck with yours, too (:
-erika
Great tips! I really need to work on my sleep this year and this was so motivating.
Sleep is essential to healthy living. Maybe start by going to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual. Hope that helps! (:
-erika
Ugh…I need this kick in the butt!
I literally ONLY work out to be healthy. I’ve started cutting back my coffee (and creamer) and swapping it with herbal tea, but I have such a hard time drinking water during the day!
I love the idea of a green smoothie, I think that would help kick the evening munchies.
Great advice xoxo
I sometimes drink Matcha green tea instead of coffee and I really like it. Also, there’s no crash! As for water, try keeping a big useable water bottle next to you as a reminder to drink water. Track your intake on your phone too for extra motivation! Green smoothies are literally so good. Highly recommend (:
-erika
I like that your goal isn’t focused on weight but to be comfortable and feel good in your body. It sounds like you are honoring yourself in that way. Congrats on the small changes you’ve already noticed!
I think if I focused on weight it would drive me crazy. I want to enjoy this journey and still have a little balance in life(:
-erika
Wow 2020 won’t know what hit it! Sounds like you are ready to take on the world! Love these habits gurl x
New decade, improved me ? lol Thanks, girl!
-erika
Late snacks always get me 🙁 I need to let them go
Sometimes I have a bowl of cereal, but only if I’m really hungry. Lol
-erika
I really enjoyed this post! You had great options for creating a healthier lifestyle!
I’m a student so lack of sleep is definitely something I’m unfortunately going to be experiencing until graduation day :’)
Chelle| http://www.chellebelle2016.blogspot.com
I’m so bad at drinking water. I need to try the wake up and chug method! I love oatmeal too! I started doing over night oats and it makes breakfast so much easier. I love this post; it’s so relatable. Don’t forget that you are beautiful no matter what
Lovely salad option is owesome
Not the coffee creamer though! LOL I am on the same wave girl. I try to get my water in during the AM too. You know what’s also a good one. Stopping to take a moment to express gratitude for another day, another chance at this thing called life and good health. <3
This was full of so many great ideas! Thanks for sharing
Great goals! Weight definitely isn’t the most important thing. Good luck to you!
That’s tough. How could I? But why not? Thanks for inspiring me.
I also want to get healthier in 2020. I’ve started working out daily and drinking more water. I find that if I try to change too many things at once, it gets overwhelming and I give up, but I’m hoping to stick with this. Keep up the good work and good luck with your fitness goals. You will achieve what you want if you work on it one day at a time. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, I love to hear what others are doing to live a healthier life!
Good tips. Thank you for sharing. I need to adopt these tips in my daily life for 2020 because one of my resolutions is to work harder this year.
Oh Yes! I would definitely add them in my health to-do list for sure. Keep sharing such stuff!
Great tips. Thanks..
I can relate to this post and I love the habits that you are forming. I hope to implement this. Thanks.
I’ve also started working out 2-3 times a week – it just keeps the habit flowing rather than once a week. Would deffo recommend it to others 🙂
http://www.ellacharlottejones.co.uk
Last day of January, and it’s not too late to start. Taking u some of your ideas.
Love this! Super simple habits, going to try a few myself!!
Hey girl! Oh man, you remind me of myself so so much. I am also 5’2 and I gained 10ish pounds in the past year. It definitely shows, and I have changed my routine tremendously in 2020! So important to work out and eat healthily. It helps with your mental health as well which is a HUGE plus. Thank you so much for sharing and excited to see more content from you. 🙂
Oh how I can relate to your story! I definitely need to up my health and fitness game. Drinking more water and eating out less are at the top of my priorities this year. Good luck on your journey!
Great tips! I’ve been making it a priority with my food choices ❤️
Solid suggestions. I will have to incorporate at least one of these suggestions immediately. And that is to drink water first thing. I was listening to a podcast and she said she drinks 8 oz as her coffee brews. LOL THAT I can do! I also think I can cut back on the creamer *sigh*.
I’m in the middle of defining some routines. So thanks for some ideas for that as well!
Water is my nemesis. I would be adding it to every time of the day. Thanks for the reminder. It is so darn good for you
Sleeping eight hours and drinking enough water are definitely the best foundations for a healthy lifestyle. And your breakfast, salad, and green smoothie sound so amazing!
You’re making so many great changes! Not only will you feel better today, but you’re also improving your future health!
Try nut pods in your coffee! So good!
Love how you have different tips for different parts of the day. Definitely makes it easier to start small!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love your blog posts. I think I have commented on several. This is a great one. I am actually dieting so this is one blog post that I can appreciate. I don’t eat any meat or fish (I am a vegetarian) and I don’t eat eggs, but I can appreciate a good source of protein (beans, peas, almonds, cashews, tofu, kale, etc.). Salads are one of my favorite things to eat with lots of veggies and even fruit on it. I have been obsessed with using Kale for lettuce lately. Thank you so much for sharing Erika.
Great read!
I drink water in the morning too, sometimes I warm the water up and add some lemon. I also use Apple Cider Vinegar, quick shot after I eat, they both help with your digestive system and for bloating!
I love oatmeal as well, but I usually eat that between 2-3 times a day. hah ! I’m a huge fitness/nutrition/and food lover, so I’m currently bulking and eating all the food. hehe! I do love tracking my food. I think it’s great for everyone to try for a bit. You get a glimpse of how much carbs,protein, and fats you’re actually eating. 🙂 Great post girl!It’s nice seeing how different everyone’s lifestyle is!