There’s a lot of advice out there about eating well and staying in shape, so where do you start? We’ve narrowed it down to four easy tips you can follow right away. Let’s dive in.

First, if you want to eat well, you need to plan your meals. You could follow a specific diet like paleo, which offers over 500 recipes to choose from. Alternatively, you might start with small, impactful changes to your current eating habits, like cutting out sugary snacks.

Second, having a routine is the simplest way to stay on track with your goals. A well-structured routine that takes into account your daily tasks, like work, kids, and other commitments, helps ensure you make time for exercise. Without a plan, especially with a busy life, the likelihood of working out is slim. While random exercise works for some, most people benefit from a consistent routine.

Third, setting goals and rewards can keep you motivated. For example, aim to avoid sugary snacks for five days, and then treat yourself to something special on the sixth day. Achieving your goals not only feels satisfying but also gives you something exciting to look forward to.

Lastly, it’s important to be flexible and forgive yourself when things don’t go as planned. Life happens, and you might miss an exercise session or indulge in some chocolate now and then. When this occurs, don’t be too hard on yourself. Just refocus and get back on track. Stress is harmful to your health, so practice self-forgiveness and recognize your limits.

Eating well and staying in shape are goals shared by many around the world. The key is to become healthier in a way that makes you feel good and confident. Be disciplined and smart, but also kind to yourself.