One thing I really struggled with when I made the decision to lead a fit and active life was maintaining relationships with people who were used to the old me—the carefree girl who preferred spontaneity and partying to routines and workouts. What they didn’t understand was that my decision impacted all aspects of my life, not just the time I spent at the gym. And to accomplish the goals I set for myself, I needed a change in mind, not just a change in body.

You absolutely need to surround yourself with positive influences and keep an upbeat, can-do attitude to achieve your goals. Chances are, friends and family may not be the most supportive-tempting you with familiar foods or activities that are not a part of your new lifestyle, making fun of the time you spend on working out, or not supporting you in your new decisions. But there is a reason they are part of your life, and you are part of theirs. So by being patient and keeping the lines of communication open, you can save your relationships and keep making progress in your quest to be fit.

Summer is a terrific time to take advantage of lots of nutritious foods that are in season. To truly make the most of this opportunity and maximize health benefits, consider packing (or carefully purchasing) a salad for lunch! A salad every day may sound boring, but you can jazz it up with fresh fruit, vegetables, and small amounts of nuts to make a flavorful treat. Salads are also an excellent way to introduce new foods or foods you may not want to eat on their own, such as spinach or kale.