Living a healthy lifestyle for many individuals means making big life changes. Among the most important changes are a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise and activity. Even the smallest changes in these areas can make a big difference in your health. Many people struggle with improving their diets because they try to completely change the way they eat all at once. Small changes over the course of a few weeks or couple of months can make the transition to a healthier lifestyle much easier. Slowly start making some of the below changes and before you know it, you will be well on your way to a much healthier lifestyle.

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables – Fruits and vegetables are packed full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, yet are very low in calories. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will help you feel full, decreasing hunger and the urge to reach for less healthy snacks throughout the day. Try to stick to a mix of various fruits and vegetables of all colors to ensure you are getting a variety of different nutrients.

Eat Plenty of Lean Protein – Adults need plenty of protein for to support a number of bodily processes. Aim for at least .8g of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. Stick to lean sources of protein such as chicken, turkey, seafood, and lean ground beef as well as other high-quality protein sources such as nuts, beans, eggs, and seeds.

Eat Whole Grains and “Good Carbs” – Try to limit refined carbohydrates and stick to whole-grain foods such as whole wheat, brown and wild rice, and oats as well as other “good carbs” such as beans, fruits, and vegetables. These sources of carbohydrates are higher in fiber and important nutrients compared to refined alternatives.

Eat Healthy Fats – Healthy fats are important and essential for overall health. Many bodily processes rely on fats for proper function and omega-3 fats can reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Nuts, avocados, and healthy oils are great sources of fat. Fatty fish such as salmon and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Try to avoid trans fats found in processed foods such as margarine and snack foods.

In addition to a healthy diet, physical activity is very important for good health as well. Whether you choose to go for a bike ride, lift weights, or take care of some yard work a few times a week, any exercise or increase in physical activity can be beneficial to your health. Physical activity not only helps you to lose weight by burning more calories, but it can also decrease blood pressure, reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease, and improve mood.

Moderation is one of the biggest keys to successfully changing your eating habits and lifestyle. Remember, do not try and change everything about your diet or activity levels overnight. Make small steps and changes to slowly improve. It is ok to still have some of the foods you love and enjoy. Do not think of these foods as completely off-limits because they may not be considered the healthiest foods. Reduce portion sizes and cut back on how often you have these foods, and balance the remaining meals of the day with healthier options.