Category: Nutrition

Small Habits, Big Shifts: Doctor-Backed Micro-Changes for Better Health

We often think lasting health change requires a big lifestyle overhaul—strict routines, bold resolutions, or a sudden surge of motivation. But in reality, meaningful improvement usually starts with something much smaller: small habits-consistent, doable habits that fit easily into your day.

As a practicing doctor, I’ve seen this firsthand. Many of my patients assume they need to transform their lives to feel better. But time and again, it’s the tiniest daily actions—the small habits that require no special tools and only a few minutes—that lead to the most reliable results. These “micro-habits” are deceptively powerful. They reduce stress, improve sleep, and slowly nudge the body and mind toward resilience.

Let’s explore a few of these low-effort, high-impact habits—along with the science that explains why they work.

Breathing for Calm: One Minute Can Change Your Day

Modern life keeps our nervous systems revved up. From tight deadlines to nonstop notifications, it’s easy to get stuck in a constant low-grade “fight-or-flight” mode. But your body also has a built-in brake: the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you relax and recover.

A simple breathing pattern can help you access that state. Try this small habit: inhale for four seconds, hold for six, and exhale slowly for eight. Just one minute a day. Research shows that slow, controlled breathing lowers heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and activates the vagus nerve—a key pathway for relaxation and stress recovery.

This one-minute breathing routine is easy to anchor to your day. Try it in the morning before coffee, during a break at work, or while waiting at a red light. Over time, it trains your body to downshift more easily from stress, which can lead to better sleep, sharper focus, and fewer physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension.

Posture Check-Ins: A Small Habit with Big Effects

We don’t often think of posture as a health issue, but how we sit and stand influences far more than appearance. Slouching restricts breathing, tenses muscles, and can subtly impact mood and alertness. Over time, poor posture can lead to back pain, fatigue, and shallow breathing.

That’s why a simple one-minute posture reset—once or twice a day—can go a long way. Stand or sit tall. Relax your shoulders. Breathe in deeply and gently tuck your chin. It’s not about perfection. It’s about awareness.

Interestingly, posture doesn’t just affect the body—it may also influence the mind. Research suggests that upright posture is associated with more positive emotions and reduced symptoms of depression, while slouched posture can increase self-focus and negative affect.

This small habit will help you reconnect to your body and move through your day with more intention. And as posture improves, many people report feeling more energetic and emotionally grounded.

Expert-recommended posture improvement tools include Upright Go, Prana Wearable (posture and breathing), or the Samsonite Ergonomic Lumbar Pillow (or other quality lumbar pillow).

A Single Food Swap Can Start a Healthier Pattern

When it comes to nutrition, many people get overwhelmed by rules and restrictions. But you don’t need a meal plan or a supplement stack to make meaningful changes. Start with one daily swap, just one small habit. Choose water instead of soda. Add a handful of vegetables to lunch. Pick whole grains over refined ones.

These choices may not seem like much on their own—but they build momentum. They reduce blood sugar spikes, improve digestion, and gradually shift your taste preferences. Perhaps even more importantly, they reinforce a powerful message: I’m someone who takes care of my body.

You don’t have to overhaul your diet to be “healthy.” You just have to keep choosing what supports you, one bite at a time.

Gratitude as a Mental Health Tool & Powerful Small Habit

You’ve probably heard that gratitude is good for you—but the real power lies in how easy it is to practice. Before bed, pause and notice one thing that went well today. A kind word from a friend. A meal you enjoyed. A quiet moment.

That’s it. No journal, no timer, no need for perfect phrasing. Just a brief mental note of what brought you comfort or joy.

There’s strong research behind the benefits of gratitude. People who practice it regularly report lower stress and fewer symptoms of depression. Some studies also suggest a link to better sleep. In fact, gratitude has been shown to trigger positive neural activity in the brain and help regulate the emotional centers that influence anxiety and mood.

You don’t have to “feel grateful” all the time. But building this 30-second small habit can help train your brain to notice what’s going right, even during tough times.

Movement Stacking: Small Habits for Exercise That Hide in Plain Sight

If you’re too busy for a workout, try pairing light movement with something you already do—like brushing your teeth. While standing at the sink, do a few calf raises. March in place. Try some gentle squats or heel-to-toe balances.

It might feel silly at first, but two minutes of movement, twice a day, adds up. It improves circulation, strengthens stabilizing muscles, and reminds your body that it was built to move.

From a doctor’s perspective, this kind of “habit stacking” is incredibly effective. It reduces friction—there’s no need to carve out gym time or change clothes—and it turns physical activity into a normal part of your daily rhythm. Over time, small bursts of movement have been linked to improvements in insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular fitness, and musculoskeletal strength—even in people with limited time. While more research is needed on their long-term cognitive effects, incorporating movement into daily routines remains a practical and evidence-supported way to support whole-body health.

Why These Small Habits Stick (Even When Life Gets Messy)

So what makes these small habits so powerful?

First, they’re easy. They don’t require a major time commitment or a change in identity. You don’t need to become “a fitness person” or “someone who meditates.” You just need to breathe for a minute, stand a little taller, or choose an apple instead of chips.

Second, they create positive feedback loops. When your body feels calmer, or your digestion improves, or you sleep a bit better—you’re more likely to stick with the habit. And when habits are consistent, they start to shift your baseline experience of health.

Finally, these practices support multiple body systems at once. Breathing regulates your nervous system. Posture supports your musculoskeletal and respiratory health. Nutrition feeds your gut and immune system. Gratitude strengthens your emotional resilience. Movement improves metabolism and mobility.

From a medical standpoint, these small habits also support key systems: the autonomic nervous system (for stress), the musculoskeletal system (for posture and movement), metabolic and digestive function (through dietary shifts), and the brain (via gratitude and emotional regulation). That’s a lot of benefit for a few minutes of effort.

Final Thoughts on Small Habits

Health isn’t something we flip on with willpower. It’s something we build—through the quiet, repeatable moments we often overlook. The breath before a meeting. The snack you reach for. The way you sit at your desk. These are the places where health is shaped—not in grand gestures, but in small, meaningful shifts.

So if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, start tiny. Start now. A minute of calm. A better snack. A deeper breath.

Because sometimes the smallest habits make the biggest difference.

About the Author

Dr. Antti Rintanen is a licensed medical doctor and the founder of The Internet Doctor, a platform dedicated to translating complex health science into practical guidance. His focus includes musculoskeletal health, postural alignment, and long-term wellness strategies.

References

Jerath R., Edry J. W., Barnes V.A., Jerath V. (2006). Physiology of long pranayamic breathing: Neural respiratory elements may provide a mechanism that explains how slow deep breathing shifts the autonomic nervous system. Med Hypotheses; 67(3):566-571.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Katz S., Arish N., Rokach A., et al. (2018). The effect of body position on pulmonary function: A systematic review. BMC Pulm Med; 18(1):159. doi:10.1186/s12890-018-0723-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Schwingshackl L., & Hoffmann G. (2013). Long-term effects of low glycemic index/load vs high glycemic index/load diets on parameters of obesity and obesity-associated risks: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis.;23(8):699-https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Wood A.M., Froh J.J., & Geraghty A.W.A.(2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration. Clin Psychol Rev;30(7):890-905.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Dempsey P. C., Larsen R. N., Sethi P., et al.(2016). Benefits for Type 2 diabetes of interrupting prolonged sitting with brief bouts of light walking or simple resistance activities Diabetes Care; 39(6):964–972. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Emmons R .A. , & McCullough, M.E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. J Pers Soc Psychol;84(2):377–389. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Wilkes C., Kydd R. R., Sagar M., & Broadbent E. (2017). Upright posture improves affect and fatigue in people with depressive symptoms. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry;54:143–149. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Guest Post: Can a Plant-Based Diet Impact Your Mental Health?

A healthy and balanced plant-based diet may improve your mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

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According to the CDC, more than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in their life. Depression and anxiety are among the top conditions that people suffer from.

As our society becomes more aware of mental health and more attuned to improving it, a number of potential solutions and aids have come to the surface.

One of the most recent theories is that a plant-based diet could help improve your mental health and reduce the effects of anxiety and depression. Today, I’ll examine this theory and show you some of the top research-based evidence so you can decide for yourself!

Can a Plant-Based Diet Improve Your Mental Health?

Obesity and physical illness aren’t the only drawbacks of an unhealthy diet. It’s no secret that our dietary choices have a huge impact on our mental health.

Our body needs specific vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support optimal hormone production and healthy brain function. Without them, our hormone levels can fluctuate drastically, resulting in symptoms such as:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Sleeplessness
  • And more…

Simply put – when we’re not eating healthily, our bodies will ultimately suffer, both physically and mentally.

Plant-based diets tend to be a lot healthier, compared to the average American diet that’s full of meat, sugar, and highly-processed foods. As a result, plant-based eaters tend to consume more plant-based nutrients than meat-eaters.

Meat does contain some essential nutrients. However, as long as vegans are supplementing with the best plant-based trace minerals to make up for this, they shouldn’t be negatively affected by the lack of meat in their diet.

Can a Plant-Based Diet Help Depression & Anxiety?

A growing body of evidence points towards the idea that a plant-based diet could improve your mental health. A recent study of 219 individuals revealed that those who adhered to plant-based diets were around 6% less likely to suffer from depression.

Six percent may not seem like a huge difference, but it’s certainly relevant. For those who suffer the daily effects of a mental health condition, a pharmaceutical-free solution (no matter how small the chances are) is certainly worth looking into.

Cognitive Dissonance & Plant-Based Eating

It’s easy to see how proper nutrient levels can correlate with healthier brain function. However, there’s a deeper aspect that’s just as relevant.

The American Psychological Association (APA) published a paper showing that many who suffer from depression also suffer from cognitive dissonance.

Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort that occurs when an individual’s beliefs about themselves don’t line up with the life that they actually live. It can also happen when an individual holds two conflicting beliefs at the same time.

For example, a part of you might really want to change your diet, improve your health, and start a plant-based lifestyle. The other part of you might also really enjoy meat, junk food, and other unhealthy things in your life.

Until you make a solid decision to follow one path or the other, you’ll likely feel uncomfortable. Sustained over long periods of time, these feelings can develop into depression or anxiety.

Once people commit to living a healthier lifestyle (which may include a plant-based diet), the positive decision can often feel like a weight lifted off of the shoulders. Stress, guilt, and indecision are replaced by focus, positivity, and clarity, which are naturally healthier emotions.

Not All Vegan Food Is Equal

When considering a plant-based diet to improve your mental health, it’s important to keep in mind the type of vegan food that you’re eating.

Not all vegan food is healthy.

Unfortunately, there are lots of unhealthy, highly-processed vegan foods that can be detrimental to your health.

I always recommend that plant-based eaters stick to natural, healthy whole foods, whenever possible.

Vegan Probiotics & Mental Health

Gut health often correlates with mental health. The healthier your gut biome is, the less likely you are to suffer from conditions like depression and anxiety. When your stomach is healthy, it’s able to absorb more of the nutrients it needs. Probiotics can even improve your body’s ability to create and absorb serotonin!

While vegans may not be able to consume yogurt (which is the biggest source of probiotics), the best vegan probiotics contain all of the essential bacteria needed to support a healthy gut!

Conclusion – Can Going Vegan Improve Your Mental Health?

As long as you’re consuming healthy whole foods and vegan nutrient supplements, then you may see improvements in both your physical and mental health! Vegan diets tend to be healthier than non-vegan diets and are more positive and ethical.

Combined, all of these things can lead to a happier state of mind, which can reduce the effects of depression and anxiety.

Guest author Emma Wilson is the creator of Vegan Calm, your guide to everything vegan!

The Remarkable Link Between Diet & Mental Health

What should you eat if you want to boost your mood? Learn what to eat (and what not to eat) for improved mental wellbeing.

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You may have heard of the “food-mood connection.” Research indicates that our diets greatly impact not only physical health, but mental wellbeing. Some foods seem to boost mood and reduce psychiatric symptoms while others are linked to depression and anxiety.

This article is about “mood thugs” and “mood champions.” Mood thugs are foods that can make you feel bad, while mood champions are foods that can give you a mental boost.

Mood Thugs

Sugar: Sugar consumption has been linked to depression, slows memory and learning, and reduces brain volume. Also, a recent study found that the concept of a “sugar rush” is myth. Sugar has virtually no impact on mood, regardless how much you consume. In fact, it can make you feel less alert and more tired.

Sugar is not the only villain; fat can be just as harmful. One study found that a high-fat diet may lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, trans fat may lead to poor memory function.

Processed meats: If you have bipolar disorder, avoid processed meats such as jerky, hot dogs, etc. Researchers found that nitrates in processed meats are associated with mania.

Mood Champions

Vegetables: A diet high in fiber and vegetables (with limited added sugar) has been linked to improved mood and a reduction in depressive symptoms. Interestingly, women seem to benefit more than men, and the effect is even greater when exercise is added. A vegan or plant-based diet is associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Raw produce: Fruits and vegetables are good for mood, but raw fruits and veggies are better. A raw diet is associated with higher levels of mental wellbeing and lower levels of psychiatric symptoms.

According to a recent study, the top raw foods associated with mental wellness are apples, bananas, berries, carrots, citrus fruits, cucumbers, grapefruit, kiwi, lettuce, and dark, leafy greens.

So how many servings of fruits and veggies should you eat per day for optimal mental health? At least 8, according to one study that found happiness benefits were evident for each portion for up to 8 servings per day.

Happiness nutrients: What nutrients should you include in your diet for improved mental health? Research indicates the following are important for mental wellbeing:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseed, walnuts)
  • Phospholipids (egg yolk, soybeans)
  • Niacin (liver, avocado, brown rice)
  • Folate (legumes, beets, broccoli)
  • Vitamin B6 (chickpeas, tuna)
  • Vitamin B12 (sardines, fortified nutritional yeast)

In sum, skip the fast food and soda; head to the salad bar instead to feed your mood and your belly!

diet

Interview: Tips for Health & Sustainable Weight Loss

“We only get one body in life, so it makes sense to treat it well by fueling it with nutritious foods.” An interview with Dr. Lisal Folsom, who discusses optimal health, nutrition, and sustainable weight loss.

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sustainable weight loss

Interview: We Only Get One Body in Life

Tips for Health and Sustainable Weight Loss from an Endocrinologist

On a typical day, what are your patients’ complaints and how do you resolve them?

As an endocrinologist, I care for patients with all types of gland and hormone disorders. The most common reasons patients come to see me include diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), concerns about growth and puberty, thyroid dysfunction, hirsutism (unwanted hair growth), polycystic ovarian syndrome, and adrenal disorders. I also provide gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender individuals. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and diagnosis, I may order lab tests and/or radiology studies such as thyroid ultrasounds or bone age xrays as part of my evaluation. Once we have a diagnosis, I work with the patient to create a personalized plan for treatment and follow up.

What about common questions or concerns?

Regardless of the reason they’ve come to see me, many patients are concerned about fatigue and weight gain. Everyone loves to blame these symptoms on the thyroid gland, but there are many other possible contributors to both fatigue and weight gain, including lack of quality sleep, sleep apnea, suboptimal eating habits, and infrequent exercise.

How does diet impact health?

A balanced diet and good nutrition are essential for optimal health. The only way to nourish and fuel our bodies is through food, and multiple studies have shown the benefits of good nutrition on health.

People who eat a diet composed of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins have lower blood pressure, better cholesterol, and decreased risk of obesity than those who follow a typical Western diet. There is a lot of research going on right now investigating the health effects of switching to a whole foods plant-based diet. A study comparing gut bacteria found that individuals following vegan and vegetarian diets had a more diverse selection of microbes in the intestines, which can lead to better health.

“People who eat a diet composed of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins have lower blood pressure, better cholesterol, and decreased risk of obesity than those who follow a typical Western diet.

Another study published in Clinical Nutrition this year found that people with high cholesterol had improvement in their cholesterol numbers when they followed a whole foods plant-based diet. Their cholesterol worsened when they switched back to a diet containing animal products and refined carbohydrates.

We only get one body in life, so it makes sense to treat it well by fueling it with the healthiest, most nutritious foods.

What are the main risk factors for diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is an acquired metabolic disease associated with insulin resistance and high blood sugars. Until relatively recently this was a disease of adults, but in the past few years more and more children have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as well, partly because of the increase in obesity.

Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include being overweight or obese, carrying extra weight in the abdominal area, lack of regular physical activity, a family history of type 2 diabetes, and being diagnosed with prediabetes. Gestational diabetes during pregnancy is also a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes later on.

A person will not necessarily develop type 2 diabetes just by eating a lot of sugar, but a long-standing pattern of unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, and weight gain will certainly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes down the road.

Can diabetes be treated with lifestyle changes?

Lifestyle changes are vital in diabetes treatment! Medicines can help to lower blood sugar, but the underlying cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance, which is exacerbated by weight and lack of regular activity.

We know that people who exercise on a regular basis tend to have lower blood pressure, better cholesterol, and are more likely to be at a weight considered to be healthy, than people who don’t exercise often. Part of the reason for this is that exercise improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin. When we exercise, our bodies don’t have to work as hard to turn the food we eat into energy and fuel for our cells.

Studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes who exercise after a meal have lower blood sugar levels than those who don’t. Exercise and a healthy diet are important for everyone, but these elements are especially crucial for people who are looking to improve their health.

Which is worse: Fat or sugar?

Ooh – tough question. I would say both and neither. Both fats and sugars come in healthy and unhealthy forms. Omega-3, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fatty acids help lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease. These healthy fats are found in nuts, peanut butter, avocados, flaxseed, and olive, canola, and soybean oils. Some eggs contain omega-3 fatty acids as well, depending on whether the chickens that laid them were given supplementation.

Unhealthy fats include saturated and trans fats. These types of fats are found in fatty cuts of meat, poultry skin, fried foods, high fat dairy products, processed and prepackaged foods, and solid oils such as shortening and lard.

Healthy sugars include those occurring naturally in fruits and vegetables. A good rule of thumb is to try to choose foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. For example, when you eat an apple, rather than drinking apple juice, you get the added benefits of the fiber from the apple, and vitamins from the skin. These added health benefits of eating whole fruits and vegetables allow the sugars to be absorbed more gradually by your body, and are lost when foods are processed.

What is one food you’d never eat and why?

Cracklins. This southern delicacy consists of fried pieces of pork fat and skin, flavored with Cajun spices. Although I’m sure they’re very tasty, they’re also oozing with saturated and trans fats, contain almost 500 calories per serving, and are high in sodium.

You could eat an entire avocado and two slices of whole wheat toast for fewer calories. This alternative snack is not only delicious, it also comes with the added benefits of healthy fats, whole grains, and fiber.

If given the opportunity, is there anything you’d change about the current dietary recommendations?

The current dietary guidelines are a good place to start. They recommend eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, making at least half of our grains whole, and limiting saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium.

I wish they went a little further though, by emphasizing the health benefits of whole rather than processed foods, and offering alternative options for people looking to follow a plant-based diet. There are some really great dairy alternatives out there, including nut milks (almond, cashew, macadamia), soymilk, plant protein products, and tofu. Many of these are made without added sugar, and are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, so the nutritional content is quite similar to the animal-based versions.

What are your thoughts on the obesity epidemic in America?

Obesity is a growing problem in our country, and it’s going to keep getting worse unless we as a society make some major changes. Obesity is a multifactorial disease, with many different levels of influence.

Personal dietary choices have a role of course, but so does the environment in which people live. If a family lives in a food desert, and the only place to buy groceries is the convenience store where one banana and a 6-pack of ramen noodles each cost $1, parents are veritably forced to choose the less healthy, but inexpensive and filling options to feed their children. Many children in the U.S. eat both breakfast and lunch at school through the federally subsidized National School Lunch Program. This program is underfunded, and as such is unable to provide the highest quality, most nutritious food for the children who need it most.

There are so many barriers to optimal health that exist at societal and cultural levels; it’s going to take a lot of work to tackle obesity. It’s possible, but change will need to happen from the top down.

What advice do you give to patients who are trying to lose weight?

At the end of the day it’s all about math: Energy in = energy out. If we put more calories into our bodies than we burn, our weight will go up. Alternatively, if we burn more calories than we eat, our weight will go down.

“At the end of the day it’s all about math: Energy in = energy out. If we put more calories into our bodies than we burn, our weight will go up.

Metabolism plays a role, certainly, and we all know people who can eat a dozen donuts without gaining a pound, which is just not fair, but overall consistent, purposeful, portion control is the key to sustainable weight loss.

Exercise helps, but it’s really hard to burn enough calories by exercising to offset what we eat. A typical adult woman walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes burns around 150 calories. As a comparison, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Money contains 1,160 calories. You would need to spend nearly 4 hours on the treadmill to burn off that pint of deliciousness, and nobody has time for that. It makes more sense to limit your total calorie intake through portion control and careful meal planning.

Everyone should have a treat now and then, just plan for them ahead of time and pay attention to the nutrition label including serving size.

What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about hormones?

It’s probably not your thyroid. Seriously though, endocrinology is an amazing branch of medicine. Since our glands make hormones that then flow into the bloodstream, they have effects on so many different parts of the body. Endocrinologists have to consider the entire person when making a diagnosis, and this makes the field both challenging and exciting.

As an endocrinologist, what are the most useful things you’ve learned?

Weight loss is hard, but possible. Diabetes sucks, but you are strong, so don’t let it take over your life. Everybody loves to talk about food. Patients and physicians work best as a team. Good health is priceless.

Interviewer: Cassie Jewell, M.Ed., LPC

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Dr. Lisal Folsom is a board-certified physician who specializes in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. She also provides gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender individuals. Dr. Folsom’s medical research has been published in the academic journals Endocrine Practice, The Journal of the South Carolina Medical Association, Current Osteoporosis Reports, Journal of Adolescent Health, and Endocrinology & Metabolism Clinics. She has been practicing for nine years.