How To Stay On Track With Healthy Habits

By Melinda Maryniuk

Here are six strategies that may help us stay on track with healthy habits while continuing to prioritize good self-care.

1. Start each day on the right foot.
Create a routine that helps you begin the day on a positive note. Set an intention—write it in a journal or simply say it quietly to yourself. Decide what you want to focus on for the day. Aim to do “two good things” daily: one for yourself and one for a friend or neighbor. Keep goals small and realistic, and take a moment at the end of the day to check in with yourself.

2. Make the best choice the easy choice.
This may be the perfect time to reorganize your cupboards and freezer. Arrange things so the healthiest options are the first ones you see. Put baby carrots in an easy-to-reach bowl for snacking. Keep grapes or blueberries at the front of the freezer for a quick, cold, sweet treat. Place your sneakers by the front door so they’re ready to go. This is also a good time to avoid buying foods you know are especially tempting for you—try not to rely on willpower if you don’t have to.

3. Try something new. Be flexible.
You may not always find what you’re used to buying at the grocery store. If fresh produce is limited, check the canned and frozen aisles for lower-carb options like green beans, asparagus, tomatoes, cauliflower, and berries. Experiment with new protein choices such as canned salmon, frozen tilapia, or plant-based options like tofu and white beans. Try a new recipe—we’ve shared two below that use foods with a longer shelf life. Share ideas with friends and your Facebook community.

4. Keep moving.
Exercise is just as important as ever—if not more so. Too much screen time (Zoom meetings or Netflix binges) can easily lead to moving less. Plan time to be active and set reminders to get up and go. This might be a great opportunity to try something new in the privacy of your home, such as yoga or Zumba. Many exercise videos are available online at no cost.

5. Acknowledge your feelings.
Don’t brush aside feelings of worry or stress. Many experts agree that acknowledging these emotions is the first step toward managing them. Focus on the present moment and on what you can control. Take time to notice the good around you—nature, acts of kindness, hardworking healthcare teams, sunshine, and more.

6. Practice strategies for dealing with cravings.
During times of stress, cravings are often stronger than usual. That doesn’t mean the usual strategies for “riding the craving wave” won’t help. Here are ten tips for managing cravings that may be especially useful right now.

Recipes To Try

Sautéed Savory Cabbage (Adapted from Ina Garten)
Serves 6
Per serving: 90 calories; 12 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 4 g fat

• 1 small head white cabbage (about 2 pounds)

• 1 Tbsp butter

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. With the cut side down, slice as thinly as possible. Heat the oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the cabbage, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Sauté for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender and begins to brown. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.

Creamy Hummus
Makes about 1½ cups
Nutrition (per 2 Tbsp): about 50 calories, 4 g carbs

• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

• ¼ cup well-stirred tahini

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• 2–3 Tbsp water

In a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice and process for about 1 minute until thick and creamy. Add the garlic, chickpeas, cumin, salt, and olive oil, and blend for several minutes until very smooth. With the processor running, add 2–3 tablespoons of cold water to reach a lighter, creamier consistency.