I hear this phrase almost every single week in my clinic. And if you’ve ever said it yourself, you’re not alone.

Many people feel they already know the “rules” of healthy living—eat more vegetables, drink water, get moving, sleep more—but for some reason, following through feels impossible. Here’s the truth: knowledge is important, but action is everything. It it the “implementation factor” that makes all the difference.

And action doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, there is no such thing as perfect. Perfection creates paralysis. You end up doing nothing because you’re waiting for the “right time,” the “perfect diet,” or that Monday when your schedule magically clears (spoiler alert: it never does!).

“But I’m such a healthy eater!”

I can’t tell you how often I hear this line as well. Someone sits across from me and says, “Dr. Joey, I eat so well—so why am I stuck?”

Here’s why: it’s not just about eating “healthy” foods. Portion sizes, timing, stress, sleep, inflammation, gut health, blood sugar balance and hormones all play a role. You can eat organic kale and wild salmon every day, but if you’re snacking late at night, skipping meals, or running on four hours of sleep, your metabolism will stall.

How to actually start (without waiting for motivation)

1. Commit to small wins. Don’t try to overhaul your entire lifestyle in one day. Just pick one or two changes and lock them in.
2. Schedule your health. Put workouts, grocery shopping, and meal prep in your calendar as if they were business meetings you can’t cancel.
3. Use accountability. A friend, coach, or even a checklist can keep you on track. Relying on willpower alone is a losing game.
4. Expect setbacks. Life happens. A bad day or missed workout doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Learn, reset, move on.
5. Track your wins, not just your weight. Energy, sleep, mood, digestion—these are all powerful indicators of success.
6. Be a creature of habit. Consistency beats motivation every time. Design daily routines—meals, workouts, sleep, and hydration—and stick to them. Your body and mind thrive on predictability, making healthy choices almost automatic.
7. Remove friction. Make healthy choices the default. Prep meals in advance, lay out workout clothes, or keep water nearby—small tweaks make big results effortless.

Five Game-Changers That Actually Work

1. Start your day with 20–30g of protein. It balances blood sugar and crushes mid-morning cravings.
2. Drink 2–3 liters of water daily. Dehydration disguises itself as hunger.
3. No grains or starch at night. Focus on lean protein and vegetables for dinner to improve digestion and fat burning.
4. Walk after meals. A simple 10-minute walk dramatically improves blood sugar regulation.
5. Stop eating two hours before bed. It helps digestion, metabolism, and sleep quality all at once.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a start. Begin with one or two easy game-changers, stay consistent, and let the small wins stack up. Before you know it, those “I know what to do but I’m not doing it” moments will turn into “I can’t believe how good I feel.”

If you are looking to jump start your health, feel free to book in for a free health and weight loss assessment or join The Shulman Solution – A 28 Day Metabolism Fix that starts Sept. 8th!