5 hacks for a healthier november

Back in May I made a stair-only policy with myself–as in if a set of stairs is 10 flights or less and I’m not lugging a heavy bag, escalators and stairs don’t exist. Plain and simple!

I started taking the stairs at work, and in the subway, and after just a couple of weeks I found I was heading for the stairs purely out of habit. I didn’t have to think about it. It just happened. And it’s been happening ever since.

This got me thinking about how easily small behaviors can become healthier habits, if we just put our minds to it for just long enough for it to stick.

So let’s start a new tradition, shall we?

At the start of each month I’ll post 5 healthy life hacks–just some ideas on simple ways we can change up our daily routines to live more healthfully throughout the month. Who knows, maybe at the end of November we’ll have a new healthy habit!

1. Adopt a stair-only policy. If it’s 10 flights or less and I’m not lugging a heavy bag, escalators and stairs don’t exist. I started this when I began working at MyFitnessPal after just a couple of weeks I noticed I subconsciously headed for the stairs rather than the elevator. When the co-workers and I go grab a bite for lunch, I can even get them to take the stairs with me on the way back. Not only can it become a habit but stair climbing can be contagious.

2. Place a pitcher of water on your desk–and set a timer to keep you sipping. When the timer goes off, your pitcher should be empty. Take a bathroom break, refill and start over! My hydration habits need some serious revamping so this is going to be what I focus on this month. With a half marathon to run in just 17 days the timing couldn’t be better!

3. Order burritos with light rice & heavy black beans. Beans are packed with protein, fiber and folate, and are even a good source of iron. White rice brings little to the table besides refined carbohydrates. Just ask to make the swap! I’ve never been turned down yet.

4. Downsize your dinner plate. I think it’s in our DNA to fill every square inch of our plate, don’t you? And then eat every bite, of course. I’ve started using salad plates at dinnertime and it’s been helping me keep my dinner portions in check. Occasionally I’ll go back for seconds, but I’ve found I really have to want whatever it is I’m getting up for again!

5. Put a little less sugar or sweetener in your coffee. I’m sorry. I know this is totally unfair for me to suggest since I just posted a pumpkin spice latte syrup recipe the other day–but, maybe on the days you’re not savoring a sweet pumpkin latte you dial back the sugar and sweetener a bit. When ordering your #PSL at Starbucks, ask them for 1 less “pump” and you’ll already be consuming 8+ grams less of sugar. If you want to sound like a seasoned veteran as you order your double soy latte no whip, here’s how: 4 pump Venti, 3 pump Grande, 2 pump Tall.

I think it’d be fun to turn these hacks into mini-challenge so if you’re up for taking on one of these hacks, or have another you want to tackle, rock the #healthhackhottie hashtag and tag me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook! I’ll put a mini collage together at the end of each month and show off all the health hacks we rocked.

Also, feel free to share any health hacks you have up your sleeve in the comments below! I’ll be on the lookout for great ones to feature each month from here on out!

Health hacks: What do you want to work on this month? I’m all about being more mindful of hydration this month. I’m actually currently on Amazon ordering myself a new water bottle to keep on my desk at work!