As we kick off 2025, here are 25 habits to adopt for a healthier lifestyle. Pick one or two habits to focus on at a time. Once you have those new habits established, focus on another one or two. You've got this!

1. Eat in color. Aim to eat all the colors of the rainbow by adding in more fruits and veggies.
2. Practice mindful eating. Avoid eating when bored, tired, stressed or upset.
3. Downsize dinnerware. We eat with our eyes too, so eating on smaller plates and bowls can help you significantly decrease portions without realizing it.
4. Drink more water. Drinking the recommended 64 ounces of water per day can boost your immune system, mood and overall health.
5. More produce, less package. Focus on eating more produce rather than processed foods. Try swapping packaged snacks for nature’s candy (fruit) and swap packaged noodles for frozen veggies as a healthier side dish.
6. Be a label lover. Learn to look at the Nutrition Facts on foods; focus first on serving size. It’s easy to underestimate how much you eat in one sitting, but knowledge is power when working on portion control! Minimize sugar and fat and look for optimal fiber and protein.
7. Get enough sleep. You already know that sleep is important for your mood and immune system, but it also plays a key role in appetite and craving control. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
8. Move more. Try to make more intentional movement during the day, especially if you find yourself being more sedentary. Take the long way, use the stairs or have a dance party.
9. Snack smarter. A smart snack satisfies you, keeps you full and helps prevent overeating at the next meal. Try incorporating a lean protein and produce at snack time like an apple and string cheese or Greek ranch dip and veggies.
10. Lose the “all-or-nothing” mentality. Don’t give up so easily; there is no “wagon” to fall off and drag yourself back onto. If you over-indulge, eat healthier and lighter at the next meal.
11. Fight sitting disease. Sitting is the new smoking; try to stand up every hour or two to improve your circulation and activity level.
12. Sip on sugar-less beverages. Avoid drinking beverages loaded with sugar. On the label, look for 10g or less sugar in the Nutrition Facts.
13. Get outside more. Vitamin D is best absorbed from sunshine. It builds a healthy immune system and promotes weight management.
14. Practice gratitude. Appreciation for the small things decreases depression, anxiety and stress.
15. Posture perfect. Practicing perfect posture can keep your skeletal system strong and prevent aches and pains from slumping.
16. Stay up to date on health maintenance appointments. The best way to prevent chronic disease and illness by staying on top of yearly check-ups and exams.
17. Get gut healthy. A healthy gut with adequate good bacteria is related to healthy immune system and metabolism. Signs of poor gut health include constipation, bloating and gas. Be sure to include adequate fiber, probiotic sources and water into your daily diet.
18. Avoid fad diet yo-yoing. Jumping from one diet to another can actually slow down your metabolism! Instead, consistently eat a balanced diet focused on moderation.
19. Socialize with friends and family. Connection and community are vital for wellbeing and sense of belonging.
20. Slow down on social. Cut back on the amount of time you spend scrolling on social media and instead, invest your time in healthy habits like quality time with friends or family, exercise or fun hobbies.
21. Establish a daily routine. Consistency helps you stay on track with your goals.
22. Manage stress. Pinpoint stress triggers in your life and recognize any unhealthy coping methods. Replace those with self-care or journaling.
23. Practice dental hygiene. The mouth is the beginning of health. Flossing regularly can reduce inflammation and heart disease.
24. Try a new hobby. Find a fun pastime to incite creativity and improve your mental health.
25. Focus on progress, not perfection. With any new habit or routine, focus on progress rather than perfection. Do not become discouraged if you miss one workout or overeat one meal. One misstep will not make or break your progress, but habits will.