Sustaining an active lifestyle requires a lot of dedication, but the reward is always worth the effort.  Do not be overwhelmed with the much-needed lifestyle changes because you can simply start with what you have and where you are right now.

ALWAYS HAVE A GOAL.
Start with foundation goals that can make you more functional in your daily life (to achieve normal health results, to effectively manage life stressors and to feel in control of your life) and then create simple, doable and realistic short-and long-term health goals such as committing to an exercise schedule at least three times a week or managing sleep by going to bed before 10pm on most days of the week. Goals, in relation to physical looks, such as to lose weight or to develop a well-toned body should be secondary to your foundation goals. Enumerate the steps on how you can achieve your plans then evaluate and modify goals every week, every month time or each time you achieve a milestone.  Remember that you cannot stop setting goals for yourself because you always experience changes in life: you grow old, you change your priorities, you adapt to the changing times, you meet new people and you develop new preferences; you always experience growth.

EAT TO LIVE FULLY.
If you are always thinking about eating to lose weight, then you will have a difficult time focusing on balanced and healthy eating. Keep in mind that you eat so you can achieve that energy needed to effectively perform your daily activities at work, at home, and while exercising. Dieting and depriving yourself from the most needed nutrients to function well will negatively affect you psychologically, emotionally, and physically. Try simple healthy eating strategies like avoiding food that your body doesn't need (processed sweets, junk foods, flavored drinks, artificial food ingredients) adding the healthiest foods (fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains) in your diet, making time to prepare your own meals, lessening fast food and restaurant meals, applying portion control regardless of the occasion, and drinking more water.

CHOOSE PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES THAT YOU CAN DO FOR LIFE.  
Engage yourself in fun exercises that can match your personality, needs, and fitness level. Always consider walking, which is the simplest and most effective form of physical activity that can be sustained long-term. You can always progress this form of activity by increasing the intensity and duration. Incorporate the most important full-body exercises like plank, squat, push-up and shoulder bridge to improve your metabolism, strength and body shape. Occasionally, it is good to try different workouts to stimulate your motivation. Always get the most needed support from your friends and family so you can stick to your workout commitment. Give yourself one to two days of recovery to regain your energy and to avoid exercise burnout.