This post brought to you by Ruby Tuesday. The content and opinions expressed below are that of About A Mom.

A healthier you doesn’t have to mean a complete lifestyle makeover. In fact, seldom do extreme lifestyle changes have a lasting effect. Slow and steady wins the race, they say. In the last 10 years I have struggled with both my weight and some health issues that have impacted my level of activity. Extreme workout regiments and fad diets haven’t worked so well for me. Instead, I have turned to making small changes for healthier living. Since for so many of us January has been a month of setting goals for a healthier lifestyle, I think now is a good time to share a few of the simple changes that have worked for me.

Making Small Changes for Healthier Living

Eat More of the Good Stuff

I mentioned how diets have never really worked for me. Instead I am making an effort to eat more of the good stuff. It’s simple logic really. If you fill up on healthy foods, you won’t be as tempted to eat the bad stuff. Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to stop eating out either. I love going out to eat. Maybe a little too often even, but I have been making better choices there too. I love that I don’t have to feel guilty when I order the Garden Bar at Ruby Tuesday. They recently introduced an all-new, expanded Endless Garden Bar! It now has over 55 tantalizing ingredients, the combinations are endless. You can create your perfect salad with over a dozen new fruits and vegetables, premium cheeses, a variety of crunchy toppings including those amazing croutons they are known for! You even have a choice of eight dressings that are now made in-house with carefully selected ingredients.

My parents also enjoy eating out, so we often meet them for dinner. Earlier this week we met up at Ruby Tuesday. Our plates were piled high with Garden Bar goodies like spring mix greens, chunks of fresh apple, edamame, carrot ribbons, sweet baby peas, and more. My salad had a nice variety of fresh veggies. I really like that the Garden Bar includes items like potato salad and a variety of delicious pasta salads too, and the new house-made dressings are fantastic. I give the Lite Ranch dressing two thumbs up! It is really delicious. Find out More about Ruby Tuesday’s All New Endless Garden Bar.

The Ruby Tuesday Garden Bar is perfect for a quick lunch or busy weeknight. You’ll be in and out in no time. Also, do you know that Kids Eat Free at Ruby Tuesday on Tuesday evenings? I love that! I also love that when you sign up for Ruby Tuesday’s So Connected email club for exclusive offers, you get a free appetizer when you sign up, and a Free Garden Bar or Burger on your birthday. Join So Connected today.

Be More Active

In the last six months I have been the most active I have been in years. It has benefited not only me, but my entire family including the dog. I begin end each day with some simple stretches. It’s amazing how much better one feels from the simple act of stretching. Each morning after dropping off at school, I like to go for a walk around the neighborhood. Then in the early evening, before it gets dark we take the dog for a walk. Since Winston is a senior dog, I don’t include him on my morning walk. That way I can walk more briskly and go for longer. Not having any kids with me on that morning walk is nice too. It gives me a chance to reflect and think about the day ahead.

Weekends are a great time to be active together as a family. Living in Central Florida, we have so many great attractions. Florida resident annual passes make it affordable for us to visit our favorite theme parks, and if you have been to one of the Florida theme parks you know how much walking is involved.

Walking the trails at a local park is another great family activity. If you’re feeling ambitious, train together for an upcoming 5K. That’s one of my ‘healthier living’ goals for this year.

Make Time for Yourself

As a mom, this can be really hard to do. We tend to give and do for everyone but ourselves. Even if it is just 5 minutes of quite meditation in the morning, or 15 minutes with a cup of tea and a good book. Make that time for yourself. I have a friend who writes her “me” time into her daily schedule. Grab that time whenever you can and don’t feel guilty about it. Do something you love.

All of the small changes for healthier living mentioned here today have improved my quality of life greatly. 2017 is off to a terrific start! I feel happier, have more energy, and have even lost a few pounds. Life is good, and it’s about to get even better thanks to a special offer from Ruby Tuesday for About a Mom readers.

A Special Offer from Ruby Tuesday for About a Mom Readers

Ruby Tuesday is giving my readers a special offer! Click below to get a free Kids Meal with the purchase of a Garden Bar adult entrée – give it a try. What a Mama friendly deal! Thank you Ruby Tuesday!

Click Here for Coupon to receive a Free Kids Meal with Purchase of a Garden Bar Entrée.

You can also enter to win a $50 Gift Card to Ruby Tuesday!

$50 Ruby Tuesday Gift Card Giveaway!