Although organizing and frugality come easily for me, “healthy living” usually feels hard and overwhelming — like it’s just too much work so why bother?
That’s why I forced myself to start creating 1 or 2 very small healthier habits back in 2011… and I’m still plugging away at it all these years later.
My intention has always been to continue my healthier habits indefinitely while creating additional healthier habits in future years — and honestly, I’m amazed every time I think back to how much progress I’ve made!
Why Do I Start My New Habits in January?
For me, it has nothing to do with a “new year” and more to do with the fact that I actually have the time to focus on developing a new habit from mid-January through mid-March.
I don’t have yard work or fun outside activities vying for my attention, all the holiday “extras” are done and over, Dave and the kids are back to school, and there’s always a lull in my schedule from mid-January through mid-March.
Of course, I continue pursuing and honing the healthier habits all year long, but those first 8 weeks are crucial to my success because THAT’S when I form the new habit (or get rid of an old habit).
But Why Only 1 New Habit Each Year?
Change is hard and not something I enjoy (can you relate?) Too much change at once and I’m ready to throw in the towel before I even get started.
One change (sometimes 2) at a time just seems to work best for me. The changes stick better, the habits form more easily, and my new routine develops more naturally than when I try to force too many changes at once.
Slow and steady wins the race… right?
The Power of ONE:
If I could drill one Simple Living Message into your brain, it would be the power of ONE!
- one small change
- one new habit
- one better choice
- one task crossed off your list
- one decluttered drawer
- one organized shelf
- one pile of papers to shred or recycle
- one bag of trash
- one box of donations to bring away
- one dollar put towards paying off debt
- one chunk of time spent doing something you love
- one page in your book (seriously!)
- one earlier morning
- one dollar saved
- one pound lost
I know it doesn’t seem like much in the beginning, but over time, the power of ONE has the potential to completely transform your entire home and life.
If you don’t believe me, just look at where a decade of small, simple, healthier habits has brought me!
2023 = Not Eating After Dinner
I’m a huge snacker — especially in the evening (mostly out of boredom). My evening snacks were sometimes making it difficult to fall asleep, so I decided to totally cut them out.
Now, it’s very rare that I’ll eat anything after dinner — holiday parties or special events are probably the only times I’ll make exceptions, and even then, it’s not something I desire anymore.
I prefer feeling less full in the evenings and rarely have cravings in the evenings.
2022 = Daily Walks
I used to go for multiple short walks every day when the kids were little… but then, they went off to school and I realized I stopped warlking.
Truthfully, walking is something I really enjoy, and since I’m not big on formal exercise, it’s a great way for me to get a bit of exercise, enjoy some fresh air, and move my body (usually while listening to a podcast or audiobook.)
I try to get out every day — and now that we have a dog, this healthier habit has been even easier for me to stick with.
2021 = Read the Bible in a Year
I always wanted to do this… but I never fully followed through and finished it completely within 365 days.
Dave and I decided to do it together, so we kept each other accountable and could talk about the passage we read on any given day.
I actually finished about a month early, and it honestly felt like such a great accomplishment!
2020 = Natural Skincare + Heal my Diastasis Recti
Due to some sensitive skin issues with a couple of our kiddos, I decided to make the switch to all-natural skincare — specifically, switching over to using Bend Soap for almost everything.
It has been such a positive change and I’m a huge advocate for using natural products with clean ingredients. It has made a big difference for our family.
About halfway through the year, when we were all stuck at home for COVID, I decided to finally do some research on how to heal my Diastasis Recti. After many weeks, I found the Every Mother program and gave it a try.
Within 12 short weeks, my years-long abdominal separation was fully healed and my chronic back pain was gone! Talk about one small change that made a massive difference in my life!
2019 = Grind My Own Grain (and eat it daily)
In general, I enjoy cooking and baking and spend tons of time in the kitchen — so buying a Nutrimill Grain Mill didn’t feel that crazy to me at the time.
At this point, my grain mill is likely my most-used small appliance — often grinding various grains once or twice each day. It has become a true labor of love.
Cooking, eating, and enjoying whole grains has become a passion of mine — here are a few of my favorite whole-grain recipes.
2018 = Eat Tons of Veggies
I’ve always loved veggies and eaten them regularly, but I wanted to get my kids on board.
I started keeping veggie trays in the fridge all the time, as well as roasting huge trays of vegetables a couple of times per week.
I’d bring the raw veggies out for snacks and reheat the roasted veggies as a simple side dish. I even regularly incorporated veggies into our breakfasts.
The kids would still rather have a cookie, but they have all acquired a taste for veggies too
This was also the year I committed to losing ALL my baby weight for good! Read more about how I lost 60 pounds in 60 weeks in this post!
2017 = Use Real Maple Syrup and Start Flossing
As simple as this sounds, these were HARD habits for me.
Not only did the kids complain about the taste of maple syrup, but it’s also SO much more expensive too!
And I really don’t like flossing!
We utilized one sneaky trick to help our children transition to Maple Syrup… and I doubt the kids even remember what the imitation stuff tastes like!
As for flossing, I purchased a big bag of floss picks and after a bit of a rocky start, I faithfully flossed almost every night after dinner (b/c I don’t eat anything after dinner anymore!)
2016 = Eat Less Processed Meats
After Dave’s parents gifted us with a 1/4 of a cow for Christmas in 2015, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to remove many processed meats from our home.
Truthfully, I still buy all-beef hotdogs on occasion, and the kids absolutely LOVE all-beef summer sausage and this breakfast sausage from Costco, but for the most part, I am fairly diligent with buying and preparing high-quality beef, pork, chicken, and fish on a very regular basis.
Thankfully, Dave’s parents have continued to gift us with beef every year for Christmas — which really helps to offset the cost of eating higher-quality meat.
It’s interesting to me how much better our kids eat when I make a big meat & potatoes meal too — they all gobble it down.
2015 = Higher Quality Bread and “Healthier Fats”
This was the year we officially switched from white bread to buying whole-wheat or whole-grain bread from the store. Of course, now I make much of our whole-grain bread from scratch — but this was a great starting point for me and my family.
Also, this was the year I made the switch from vegetable oil to olive oil and coconut oil.
I also started intentionally integrating healthier fats into our diets — eating lots of avocados in guacamole, pudding, and smoothies; including lots more nuts and seeds into our daily snacks and recipes, and we got our kids to eat salmon (well 75% of them will eat salmon!)
2014 = Switch to Full-Fat Dairy
This switch was relatively easy for me once I found my “sources”.
Aldi now carries whole milk Greek and regular plain yogurt, as well as whole milk, full-fat cottage cheese, and cream cheese. We also have a health food store just about a mile from our house — it’s expensive but has excellent options for full-fat dairy.
2013 = Use Butter not Margarine
This change seems like a lifetime ago — but I remember how challenging it was for me at the time.
I grew up on margarine and the cost difference between margarine and butter is BIG.
Now, all these years later, I no longer buy or use margarine, Crisco, or vegetable oil. Instead, I substitute butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or even applesauce in all my recipes.
NOTE: I know many of my old recipes on the blog still call for “butter or margarine” and “vegetable oil” but I just haven’t made the time to go back and update them all.
2012 = Drink More Water
While I’m far from a health or nutrition expert, I know how important it is to drink enough water each day. In fact, I’d say it might just be one of the simplest things we can do to improve our overall health.
Water is free (or at least very frugal), it’s readily available pretty much everywhere, and consuming enough of it can have profound effects on our skin, nails, hair, sleep patterns, weight management, digestion, muscle tone, mental well-being, and more!
I try to drink at least 100 ounces of water every single day — and while this might seem like a lot, it’s now a habit for me and my body has “regulated” to drinking this much water (I promise, I’m not in the bathroom all day long!)
2011 = Get More Sleep
Proper sleep health has always been important to me as it has such a huge effect on every aspect of my life — but this was the year I really pushed hard to be in bed on time instead of always doing “one more thing”.
Ironically, it was also the year we had our first baby (the baby who NEVER slept!)
Dave and I both did really well getting to bed on time (and waking up on time) until the last month of the year when baby Nora kept us both up for the majority of December (and the next 3 years — LOL!)
More than a decade + 4 children later, and we are back to a much happier and healthier sleep routine again… it feels amazing!
The power of ONE is amazing and transformative!
Don’t let yourself get discouraged simply because you aren’t making life-altering changes.
Just pick something small and implement it today. Then work on it again tomorrow.
What new habit will you work towards this year?
NOTE: In 2024, I’m looking into supplements for our entire family. I’d love to know if you have a favorite brand.
Kelly Fonseca says
The concept of “just doing one”/ small changes repeated over time is something God just recently opened my eyes to. I tend to want to build Rome in a day, and quit when I realize I can’t! So this post is very timely! 🙂
Also, for the supplements, my husband and I love our vitamins from Amway!
Andrea says
Oh wow — I love that you’re getting confirmation on where you were already feeling lead. And yes, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so just take a deep breath and done one small thing at a time.
Thanks for the vitamin tips too!
Teena says
I remember your post those many years ago and boy do I wish I had paid attention! I’ve made a lot of changes in the last year, but I was forced to do it all at once because of a health crisis. Now I am taking to heart the power of one small change, for my mental health. I am journaling, something I have never done. I’m still getting used to it, but I find it very satisfying to “empty” my brain at the end of the day. Thanks for the encouragement 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Teena — it’s not too late to start now. Journaling is a great idea and sounds like it’s a perfect fit for your current season of life.
Suzanne says
My ONE is going to be to use a planner. I was inspired by your planner post before the holidays and ordered one for myself. I love it and think this ONE tool will be so much better than the multiple calendars and lists I have been using. Thanks for the great tip!
Andrea says
yay — this is great Suzanne! I hope you enjoy using the planner and that it works well for you this year 🙂
Katherine Russell says
I agree wholeheartedly- trying to make big, swooping changes usually backfires in the form of creating immense stress for me and then making whatever issue I’m trying to solve worse.
I am curious though- why did you switch to full fat dairy products? (I know everyone has their different philosophies and opinions on food, so I’m truly just asking from a place of curiousity!).
Andrea says
Hi Katherine — yes, I’m all about the slow and steady progress when it comes to making changes!
As for the dairy, Dave and I both come from a long line of dairy farmers and they said it was best to get full-fat dairy, so we did! I honestly didn’t do much research, I just trusted them 🙂
JJ says
I really like this idea! It seems more doable and will create life-long habits. I will do a walk a day! I started doing a word of the year last year. It was so powerful that if affected my entire family. A habit will, too! Last year my word was “flexible”(something that I am not!). It really stretched me. My cousin encouraged me to pick a word of the year and a Bible verse to go along with it. She sent me a plaque with my word on one side and the verse on the other. It sits on my kitchen ledge, so I see it several times a day. That really helped me in every area of my life. Ironically, this year’s word is “walk”(walk in the Truth…live out the Gospel in every situation). But “walk” a day could be my habit! Thank you, Andrea!
Andrea says
Oh I LOVE that your word for the year is “walk” and now your healthier habit is to take a walk a day — so fitting, and easy to constantly be in the front of your mind throughout the day!
Jean Stob says
I find your life style so refreshing.
Many of your theories I already used but have picked up several new ones along the way.
You are an inspiration to many.
Happy New Year!!
Andrea says
Thanks Jean 🙂
Happy New year to you too!
Debbie says
It’s so cool to reading through this. I actually applied one of them because you shared it on your blog in the past. Thanks to your roasting vegetable blog we’ve been eating healthy veggies more and I’ve learned how to prepare them ahead for the week. I used to dread it because I would have to think through recipes where I can incorporate vegetables. Now I just have to figure out how to prep the raw veggies too and store it in the fridge for the week like I do for the cooked ones. The new habit we’re working on, started mid October 2019, is eating all plant based.
Andrea says
This is awesome! So glad you’re enjoying more veggies now!
Here’s a post about how I prep all our raw produce — it saves SO much time and we eat tons more raw veggies as a result.
JJ says
You had recommended putting the syrup in the fridge to transition for your kids, and I’m here to say it worked for mine! Thank you for your practical help! : )
Andrea says
YAY!!! Glad another one of my simple tricks worked for you too 🙂
Chris says
A few things I’ve done in the last year are to use Himalayan pink salt and no aluminum baking powder. However, both grocery chains in my town look like they no longer carry the baking powder. I also found a marked down refrigerated salad dressing at Kroger in the produce section that is made with yogurt. I think it has less or no soy oil, so I like that. I also do intermittent fasting and eat less meals per week. (This also saves money, but that’s not the reason I do it). 🙂
Andrea says
This is all great — thanks for sharing what works for you (especially since they are so different than my habits). Lots of good ideas to consider!
Dianne Medeiros says
I’ve been following your blog since before Nora… Reading your post was like going down memory lane for me, too, lol. I was especially excited to see your goal last year and understood/understand why you didn’t post much about it while going through the process (although I was selfishly hoping that you would). However, since it has become a habit and part of your daily simplified life and now that you’ve “simplified the baking with whole grain process” it seems like it would be a perfect fit for your blog!! If that makes sense. By sharing you could simplify the learning process for your readers by having one resource (ie, a blog post) with all the information in one place. It would be helpful to even know where to start. Maybe a series of 3 posts. For example, as a beginner what to make first…. and what grains to use. Then a Second/Intermediate post… more grains & bread that might be slightly more challenging to make. Then possibly a final post that’s a little more in-depth and more “special” types vs everyday grains. People may think that they have no interest in this topic, but like to read your blog – just might decide to give it a try 🙂 Of course, I’m biased but since you have a talent/natural ability for simplifying things – maybe more people would be interested in the process IF they had someone help simplify it for them and walk them ONE step at a time through the process. It seems like a perfect fit!! (I believe that you also mentioned that you are stubborn, lol – but please don’t assume that other people will think that this topic “doesn’t” fit the spirit of your blog. I am asking you to please consider sharing your knowledge – I don’t think anyone will stop reading your blog or be offended if you share a few posts on grinding & baking with whole grains perhaps you may broaden your audience a little. Thanks for taking the time to read this 🙂 Dianne
Andrea says
Thanks so much Dianne!
I love that you are interested in more grain information. Honestly, I have SOOOOOO much I could share, I’ve thought about eventually starting a 2nd blog — but I know I don’t have the time or energy for that right now 🙂
You can read all my whole grain posts here — and I will periodically add more simple recipes too!
Amy says
This is exactly how I became a more active person. I told myself I had to do SOMETHING active three days a week. It could be a workout video for ten minutes, a whole video workout, some crunches and pushups, walk around the block, ANYTHING! But I had to do it three days a week. It seemed like so little most days. But I stuck with my little bits of activity. It morphed into me trying a yoga class, then jogging for a while! Now I walk with my baby in a stroller most days a week. When he gets older I plan to get back into yoga and running again because…..I really enjoy being active now! Prior to all this I used to hate exercise. I’d join a gym and do the elliptical and weights really good for a couple of months then I’d quit and do nothing for a year. I hated every minute of it. I just had to find things I did enjoy and then start small. It feels so good to be active and I physically feel so much better now.
Andrea says
thank you for sharing — this is very encouraging for me to read! I am NOT an active person and would like to work on that in the next couple of years. Maybe I should start by trying to do SOMETHING 2 days a week — that seems reasonable and doable for me!
Janice says
Girl, you always inspire me with your common sense practical ideas! Of course you’re right about the “power of one”! The Bible even states the “one” idea in several places. I like Philippians 3:13 “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this ONE thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” Is that inspiration or what?
Andrea says
Thanks Janice! Great Bible reference too!
Amanda says
This is a great plan! I totally agree it’s easier to change to a healthier lifestyle 1 step at a time. I never thought of making it a goal for the year like you did, but this really inspires me! We made radical changes in our diet for a while but it was too much at 1 time and most of it was dropped after a while! I do remember setting a goal when I turned 19 to not drink any pop for a year. Before that, I drank an average of several a week. My good friend laughed at me. She thought it was such a little thing, but I’m still thankful today that I did that! I never cared much for pop after that year! I want to try your plan and work to make a few changes every year! Thanks for the tips! Look forward to hearing your new goal! 🙂
Andrea says
yes, smaller changes over time are much more doable!
Funny story — I actually went a full year without pop when I was 19 too! My college roommates didn’t think I could do it, but I proved them all wrong. To this day, I still drink very little pop at all (an occasional Dr. Pepper is it for me!)
Amanda says
That’s so cool! I like how you think. 🙂
Amanda says
That’s so cool, I like how you think! 🙂
Kelly says
I was actually telling my husband tonight, about the amount of vegetables and fruits your family eats and how you serve them. This is the reason why: I Skyped my mum while my toddler was eating his lunch today and she thought what I had on his plate was weird!!! Yoghurt, banana slices strawberries and sugar snap peas. He ate the lot!!! Thanks for the idea!
Andrea says
my kids would have loved that lunch (especially James — he’s obsessed with sugar snap peas!)
Good for you (and your son!)
Chris says
My guess on your 2020 goal – you bought a milk cow! Just kidding!
Andrea says
haha — no! BUT, interestingly enough, it DOES have something to do with milk 🙂
Chris says
Homemade yogurt!
Andrea says
not quite!
Pascale says
Thank you for sharing this comment: “It doesn’t come naturally to me like cleaning and decluttering does… and it’s not anything I particularly enjoy, not like a good organizing project!”
Honestly, I thought it was a breeze for you. It encourages me because I’m the same way when it comes to fitness. Like you, I would much rather declutter, clean and organize than strengthen my muscles.
On the topic of water, I find that drinking warm water is easier during the winter months.
Thank you for taking the time to post every weekday. I admire your commitment especially after all these years. I look forward to reading more about your 2020 healthy habit.
Andrea says
you’re welcome 🙂
Pascale says
Thank you for sharing this comment: “It doesn’t come naturally to me like cleaning and decluttering does… and it’s not anything I particularly enjoy, not like a good organizing project!”
Honestly, I thought it was a breeze for you. It encourages me because I’m the same way when it comes to fitness. Like you, I would much rather declutter, clean and organize that strengthen my muscles.
On the topic of water, I find that drinking warm water is easier during the winter months.
Thank you for taking the time to post every weekday. I always look forward to reading your blogpost.
Ronnie says
Great post!! I always love reading about how you and your family live. It’s so refreshing and motivating!!
Thank you for allowing us this glimpse into your life!
Andrea says
Thanks Ronnie! I really enjoy writing these types of posts too!
JJ says
Such awesome progress and results!!! Congratulations on long-term changes!!!
A new habit goal is to have more movement. I don’t honestly like exercise or naturally gravitate toward activities that are active(unless you count cleaning as exercise ). However, many people in my family have had dementia, and as I get older(still in my 30’s but creeping close to 40) it freaks me out. So many studies are showing exercise and having proper vitamins and nutrients help prolong onset. I’ve also started taking B12 supplements to boost brain cells and help nerves/tingling. We have found fun PE type games on YouTube that a gym teacher does. My kids have loved the games. Their favorite was Turtle Tag. https://youtu.be/JZSI2sPTJhw. SO it isn’t full-fledge exercise yet, but it’s movement.
We love whole house hide and seek, too! What family movement activities do you all enjoy? I’d love more ideas!
Andrea says
so fun — thanks for sharing!
Jennifer says
I think your whole-grain story does fit with simple living. It’s because of your simple living that you had the time to devote to something that may not be “simple” in itself, but is important to you. Great post today, very encouraging… just one thing at a time rather than trying so many at once and failing.
Andrea says
Thanks Jennifer!
And yes, you’re correct — without simplifying many other areas of my life, I most likely would not have been able to make the time to do the whole grain thing last year. It took SO much time and effort in the beginning. Of course, now it hardly takes any time at all — but there was a HUGE learning curve!
Kim says
I think making one small change at a time is an awesome idea. When I try to do too much at once I never stick with it. We have made many of the changes that you have and love it so maybe I’ll try a few more, one at a time.
And for the ones that thought your changes were too simple…..there’s no such thing. Change is hard and sometimes overwhelming so even the simplest change for the better is a great accomplishment.
Andrea says
exactly — start small and you’re much more likely to finish!
A says
Great post!!!
But i am curious about the 2020 healthier habit?
Thank you!
Melissa says
Me too! Let us know your 2020 goal.
Andrea says
haha — you’ll have to wait until Thursday 🙂
Andrea says
haha — come back on Thursday and you’ll find out!
Becky says
Why doN’t you like low fat dairy?
Andrea says
the low-fat versions usually have added sugar and sometimes extra ingredients to offset the lack of fat. Also, “full fat” dairy is not “fattening”. It’s not like eating straight cream! It’s usually 4% or 5% instead of 1% of 2% fat content.
Debby says
I also switched to full fat a few years ago when incorporating a cleaner eating lifestyle. I read that the process to de fat dairy is not good for you. Your food ends up being more processed than it needs to be. Just my two cents 🙂
Karen says
Also, with full fat dairy, the fat content lets your body absorb the calcium and Vitamin D in it. As well as other fat soluble vitamins you might be consuming at the same meal. You can not absorb those nutrients without the presence of fat.
Andrea says
yes! Thanks for sharing that helpful information!
Melissa says
So do your children drink whole milk, use in their cereals, etc? I appreciate this information. Plus full fat cheese is the ONLY way to go. 🙂
Andrea says
we never have cold cereal (we just don’t like it) so that’s never a “thing” for us… and believe it or not, our kids don’t drink milk! They pretty much just drink water (by their own request). We do use milk in oatmeal, smoothies, pudding, and all sorts of other recipes, but we very-rarely drink it plain.
Leanne says
We switched from non-stick cookware to cast iron 🙂
Andrea says
yes, we made this switch a couple of years ago too!