You might think that making your health your number one priority in life is impossible, what with work, family, friends, religion, and whatever else you have going on. Trust me, now is the time to start putting yourself and your health first. Why, you might ask – because when you are healthy, every other aspect of your life is much more enjoyable for you and those around you.

When I talk to people about making their health a priority, most people tell me the same old thing, “I just don’t have the time.” Really? You have the time to run through a drive-thru. You have the time to sit in front of your computer and surf the net. You also have the time to watch your favorite reality show on TV. It seems to me that you have plenty of time, you’re just allocating incorrectly.

I know that it sounds like I am preaching but I want to see everyone succeed at losing unnecessary weight and adopting a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle. I have seen first-hand people go from being sickly, overweight, and unhappy to healthy, vibrant, and completely ecstatic about life. It makes me so happy to see people finally unlock the door to a healthy life and live it to the fullest.

To help you find that key that unlocks the door, I have compiled a few tips to get you started on your path to success. While some suggestions seem selfish, they will serve a greater purpose in the end when you reach your health goals.

Tip 1: Gauge Your Food Intake

For many, social eating is the way of their world. Whether it is at their kid’s birthday party, a neighborhood gathering, a poker game, or a company picnic, eating in social situations is very common. What’s also common in these situations is overeating or eating just to be polite.

Another situation where eating carries on unconsciously is when you’re snacking throughout the day. Processed and prepackaged foods are so full of unneeded and unnecessary calories that by the end of the day or event, we really have no idea how much food or calories were consumed. Try to always be conscious of what you’re putting in your mouth, how much you’re putting in your mouth, and when you are truly hungry or are just bored. A great way to keep track of your food intake is to keep a diary. This way, you can see what you have eaten, the times you ate, and the quality of food you consumed. Once it is down in black and white, you can better gauge where you need to make changes.

Tip 2: Get Your Body Moving

Exercise doesn’t always have to occur in a gym or on a treadmill. You can really exercise anywhere at any time of day. Use your lunch break to take a walk or run up and down the stairs. When your kids are napping, pop in an exercise tape for thirty minutes and work out. Take your dog for a brisk walk a few times a day. Whatever you can do to fit in some heart pumping activities, take it. Yes, you may not get to chat with your friend who works on the fourth floor or do that extra load of laundry, but you will be doing yourself and your heart good. You will have more energy to get through the rest of the day, be more relaxed, and have the satisfaction of knowing that you have taken another step in the right direction.

Tip 3: You Deserve the Best

There is no reason why you shouldn’t be eating the very best food possible. Lean, organic meats, organically grown fruits and vegetables, raw dairy and sprouted grain breads should be gracing your plate morning, noon, and night. These are the best of the best, nutritiously packed foods that any human can eat and you deserve them over the highly processed, chemically enhanced foods that so many people are gorging themselves on.

Tip 4: More Water!

The absolute best beverage you can drink is 100% water. Did you know that drinks such as coffee and soda can severely dehydrate you or that diet soda actually makes you crave sugar? Even pseudo healthy drinks such as orange or apple juice contain enormous amounts of sugar – nearly ten teaspoons per serving! This is crazy people! The only healthy beverage that can truly quench your thirst is water. If you’re not sure how much to drink, just take your weight and drink half that much water in ounces per day. So, if you weigh 200 pounds, you need to consume at least 100 ounces of water a day. And hey, if you need a bit of flavor, add fresh squeezed lemon or lime to your water.

By incorporating these tips into your life and taking a little time for yourself and your health, you will see a healthier you start to emerge. You will feel better about yourself and feel more optimistic about life in general, and if you ever start to fall back into your selfless ways, just repeat to yourself, “I am worth it.”