THE SPARKLE STEPS IS A MONTHLY SERIES ON HOW TO TAKE SMALL STEPS TO MAKE BIG CHANGES, ONE TINY SEQUIN AT A TIME. CHECK OUT THE WHOLE SERIES HERE!

Well, for starters, eat Instagram-able salad (^).

But seriously… it’s as simple as starting.

Each month I identify an area in my life to work on, and for August it’s health. Just… health.

Some particulars that come to mind:

• I want to eat food that nourishes my body.
• I want to feel better, more energetic, and comfortable.
• I want exercise to be fun, natural, and something I crave.

Okay. Once I identify my goals, the next step is to identify a trigger – one small promise “step” to myself each day that will set me on track (such as checking email only once per day to be more productive).

Since my goal is holistic and general, the “step” is holistic and general:

At least once per day, choose the healthier option.

Just once is the requirement, but we know I’m kind of keen. I shall harness my over-zealousness and channel it towards becoming addicted to health. Boom.

I kid (sort of), but another reason the task is super simple is to keep the project in the spirit of the goal. Being healthier should be an organic process, and I ain’t just talking whole foods (ha. ha.). Health is about feeling good, and who really feels good under a strict diet or brutal exercise regime? Well, maybe someone, but not me.

Food is gastronomic pleasure, exercise is play.

I always say – minimalism is not deprivation. Here it is in action.

Some examples of ‘healthier’:

• Eat more slowly. Quality not quantity.
• Do yoga in the morning and evening, even for a little bit.
• Go for a quick run.
• Substitute – order a side salad or potatoes instead of fries.
• Eat for fuel, not because I’m bored.
• Learn to cook a new dish.
• Drink lots and lots of water – when I’m ‘hungry’ I’m often just ‘thirsty’.

For inspiration I’m reading Kris Carr’s Crazy Sexy Kitchen, a health-focused cookbook with wellness lessons at the start. Since cooking, especially vegan cooking, is new to me (follow the journey here!), I’m learning the basics in the comfort of my mama’s kitchen, which is already stocked with oils, spices, and ah, a fresh herb garden.

P.S. If you would like to choose your own Sparkle Step, check out my guide on how to build lasting habits.