My Greenhabit Journey

Ms. Femke MELENHORST I started the programme with two clear goals: to move more and eat healthier. Two things I had been thinking about for a while, but never really approached in a structured way. What I ultimately gained from the Greenhabit programme went far beyond just moving more and eating healthier. Along the way, I realised that the programme was also about becoming more aware of all the different choices I make in my life. I hadn’t expected that beforehand.

Among the changes I experienced, my approach to exercise did stand out. Before the programme, I did move a little, but it wasn’t part of my routine. I only went for walks when I had some extra time, exercised irregularly and never paid attention to my steps. Now that’s completely different. Walking is integrated into my day and exercise is part of my routine. One of the things that motivated me to move more was the challenge to “walk” from Utrecht to Paris over 12 weeks. It was surprisingly fun to see myself getting closer to Paris day by day and it became almost addictive to watch my step count grow! I even bought a small treadmill, which I now use regularly to add extra steps to my day. On top of that, the Green Habit app allowed me to set different movement goals each week, keeping it varied and challenging. The fact that the goals were always small and achievable made it easy to stick with.

My eating habits changed just as much. I no longer have bread for breakfast, instead choosing protein-rich alternatives like yoghurt or crackers with cottage cheese, which keep me full for longer. Snacks like crisps or chocolate almost disappeared naturally, and I now reach more often for a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts. I became more conscious of the nutrients in each product and what my body actually needed. I even inspired my housemates to start their day with crackers and cottage cheese as well! Green Habit also provided plenty of recipe ideas, which encouraged me to adjust dishes to make them slightly healthier. The informative messages in the app about things like sugar and fibre also helped me eat more mindfully.

I learned even more than I expected on a mental level. I used to set big goals, like exercising three times a week or never eating sweets, but that approach often led to me giving up. Pure all-or-nothing thinking. Greenhabit taught me to focus on smaller steps. By concentrating on achievable, incremental goals, progress became visible and realistic. Accepting that some weeks would be less consistent also helped. A week with fewer steps, less energy or slightly less healthy eating no longer felt like failure, which it often had before.

Another unexpected motivator was the other participants. Each week, you could see their scores and updates, which was surprisingly encouraging, not because I wanted to beat anyone, but simply to take part.

I wore the myMonX watch throughout the programme and discovered how motivating data can be when it comes to awareness. The watch and its app showed me how many steps I had taken, how my sleep looked and when my body needed rest. Sometimes I felt energetic and saw that reflected in the numbers; other times it was the opposite. Sleep in particular highlighted its importance: a poor night’s sleep immediately showed in lower energy, less movement and different eating choices. The watch made behaviour that normally feels abstract visible. In the app, I could clearly see what I had achieved and which small steps were still needed, making it much easier to stick to consistently.

Looking back, it wasn’t one big change, but a series of small steps that together have permanently transformed my lifestyle. Many habits now come naturally: healthy meals, water and tea as the standard drinks and walking as a normal part of my day. Thanks to Greenhabit, I am now more mindful of my sleep, nutrition and activity, which gives me more energy, calm and control. The best part is that this feeling of fitness isn’t just temporary, I know I’ll benefit from it for a long time to come.

Do you also want to take steps towards a healthier and more mindful lifestyle? Start small and discover how daily choices can really make a difference. Whether it’s moving more, eating more consciously or simply taking time for yourself. Challenge yourself with a walking challenge, track your progress with the myMonX watch and experience how motivating it is to see your own growth. This way, change becomes visible, enjoyable and achievable. Take the first step today and become part of your own journey towards a fitter and more mindful life!