8 Important Habits Healthy People Have In Common 

We can all recognize that smoking, biting your fingernails, and eating with your mouth open are examples of bad habits. But is it as easy to recognize a good habit? 

We're the sum of our habits. These small and often automatic actions we do day in, day out shape our successes, and our bodies too. 

Take a look at the habits of healthy people and you'll see consistent behavior, focus, and a firm yet flexible approach to everything from fitness to food. They know that a slice of pie won't make them fat, just as they know that one workout won't make them thin. 

But what daily healthy habits do these fit people practice? Let's take a look. 

1. Schedule Workouts

You wouldn't expect to find time for work meetings, dental checkups, and hair appointments without scheduling them ahead of time, so why should your workouts be any different? 

Healthy people know that scheduling workouts is the only way to ensure that exercise remains a priority in our lives. And constantly putting off workouts due to lack of time can soon become the kind of habit we don't want. 

Look at your schedule and consider when you could fit in your workouts. It might have to mean early morning sessions or a home workout when the kids are in bed. Sometimes you'll feel too tired to work out but don't let that be an excuse. Just grab a workout boost for some much-needed energy and get on with it. 

2. Drink Water

We know that drinking water isn't exciting. But it's one of the best lifestyle habits you can take up. 

Keeping hydrated with regular sips of water ensures that your body is functioning at an optimal rate. Everything from your brain to your digestive system needs water to work. By keeping your water levels topped up throughout the day, you'll help your body do what's necessary to keep you healthy, energized, and focused. 

3. Eat a Rainbow

Eating makes up a huge part of our lives, and that's no different for fit people. But what do healthy people eat exactly?

Prioritizing your health doesn't mean restriction and constant calorie-counting. Instead, healthy people understand that not all calories are created equal. Compare a handful of almonds to the same amount of calories in the form of a doughnut. The doughnut is full of empty calories while the almonds provide a wealth of nutrients alongside the calories they contain. 

Healthy people understand the need to regulate their portions, but they consider the nutrients foods have above anything else. A great way to do this is by eating a rainbow of different-colored foods. Fill your plate with color and you'll find it much easier to consume all the important nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. 

4. Make Sleep a Priority

As well as making time to exercise and eat well, one of the most important lifestyle habits for optimal health is to make sure you get enough sleep. 

It can be tempting to Netflix and chill until the early hours. But sleep plays a huge role in regulating our hormones. Too little sleep doesn't just make you feel drowsy, it can also mess up your mood and play havoc with hunger cues. 

If you're serious about getting healthy, get into the habit of going to bed at a reasonable hour. Not only will you feel more refreshed when your morning alarm goes off, but you might even have time for an early workout session too!

5. Cook at Home

Good habits to have don't need to be complicated or expensive. In fact, one of the best healthy habits to get into is also a great way to save money⁠—cooking your meals at home. 

Not only is home cooking a lot cheaper than takeouts and restaurant meals, but you'll also have more control over your calorie intake, as well as how much fat, salt, and sugar you consume. And, you never know, you might even find that you actually like cooking! 

6. Fill Your Freezer

Healthy people make a habit of stocking their fridges with healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. But take a look at their freezers and you'll find that they also make good use of this space. 

First up, when you're cooking more meals at home, you'll find that it's a lot easier to cook in bulk and freeze portions for future meals. This will make you less inclined to order takeout knowing you have a delicious homemade meal in the freezer. 

Also, frozen vegetables and fruits are great for adding to smoothies, soups, and stews. As well as lasting longer than fresh produce, having access to frozen fruit and veg means you can vary your nutrient sources when these products aren't in season. 

7. Live an Active Life

Healthy, fit people don't rest on their laurels and put their feet up after their daily workout. They know that an hour in the gym doesn't equal a healthy lifestyle, but rather is a small part of a healthy, active life. 

Living healthy means incorporating different forms of activity into your whole week. These might include gardening, a friendly game of tennis, swimming with the kids at the weekend, or using your lunch hour for a walk around the block. 

8. Snack Smart

Many people see snacking as a bad habit but it can actually be one of the best daily healthy habits to have. As long as you snack smart. 

If you often get hungry around 3 pm, prepare a healthy afternoon snack to stop you from reaching for the cookies. An ideal snack should combine healthy fats, protein, fiber, and carbohydrates to keep hunger at bay for as long as possible. For example, you can combine an apple, Greek yogurt, and some peanut butter. Delicious and full of nutrients!

Take Inspiration from the Habits of Healthy People

There's no mystery behind the habits of healthy people. Above all, they stay in tune with their bodies, listening to signals that let them know when they're hungry, tired, dehydrated, or in need of rest. 

By doing the same you'll learn to recognize what your body is telling you and how you should respond. And it's this careful and considered response that will form the basis of your own set of healthy habits. 

For more information, feel free to contact us today!