In the last couple of decades our lifestyles have become extremely sedentary and unhealthy habits took over our routines. The convenience of processed foods, fast food chains or moving by car, all to cope with stressful and time consuming jobs, have deteriorated our well-being. 

However, turning things around isn’t that hard, it’s a matter of simple choices and some planning. And if you are ready to change, check out this list and find that inspiration and motivation that will make a difference in your life. 

1. You need a new breakfast: Eating coffee and a pastry isn’t going to get you far into your day. A breakfast that will keep you satisfied doesn't have to be complicated. Instead of refined carbs, go for high-fibre, protein, or both.

2. Stay Hydrated: It’s important to keep water in your system, even when the weather is cooling down and you feel like you don’t need it as much. Stay away from sugary drinks that can actually dehydrate you more.

3. Use a Fitness Tracker: There are so many options available for fitness trackers right now. A basic pedometer can be super motivating as you can track how much you are walking and moving in a day.

4. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Food is our body’s fuel, and when you start to get hungry your mood and level of activity can quickly decline. To keep off hunger pangs, eat healthier, smaller meals more often.

5. Veg—and Fruit—Up: Aim to have fruits and vegetables make up half of each meal. Your breakfast should be half fruit, and your lunch and dinner, half veggies. For snacks you should have the same 50/50 ratio: think carrots and a yogurt, or string cheese and an apple.

6. Go Outside: Simply breathing in fresh air for 20 minutes can change both your energy levels and mood for the better. It also means you get that crucial amount of sun exposure to keep your vitamin D levels up.

7. Find Some Fit Friends & Family Members: Chances are, you are eating many of the same things and doing the same a

ctivities as your friends and family. So if you want to live a fit life, find some fit friends to help you change your lifestyle. You can join a running group, a triathlon club or even a health club.

8. You’re stressing. Constantly being in fight-or-flight mode for whatever reason (bills, traffic, work, etc.) means that you crash when your body has had enough. Ensure that you get enough sleep, set out 10 minutes in the morning for meditation and drink herbal tea. All of these are great tricks to “de-stress”. 

9. Trade Drinking for Dancing: A coffee shop or bar is often where friends catch up. Instead of a sedentary get-together, though, why not switch to an activity that burns calories, like walking, dancing, yoga or a Zumba class?  

10. Get a Good Night's Sleep: Your body does a lot during sleep, including healing and rejuvenating. Be sure to get plenty of rest—for adults seven to nine hours is the recommended amount.

Is having an active lifestyle something you are concerned about? What are your tricks to be active? Share with us in the comments