The beginning of a new year is a great time to make healthy lifestyle changes, give up bad habits, and improve your well-being. It’s no wonder that many Americans celebrate the New Year by resolving to get healthier. The most popular New Year’s Resolutions include getting more exercise, losing weight, and eating a healthier diet. While only a small percentage of people actually keep their resolutions, here are some steps you can take to get healthier in the year ahead and achieve your health goals.
Eat real food: Skip the protein drinks and cleanses and eat real food. If you’ve got teeth and a small intestine, let your body do the digestion!
Be more mindful: Even if you’re making wise food choices, you can derail your best intentions by eating mindlessly. Those extra portions—even of healthy foods, like grains, nuts, dried fruits—can push up the calorie levels in your day and lead to weight gain. Take a pledge to eat at the table and enjoy the time, flavors, textures, and beauty of the food you are eating. Chances are you’ll feel more satisfied and less likely to snack in a few hours.
Get more sleep: Good quality sleep boosts your immune system and promotes emotional wellness by giving your body & mind time to rest and recharge. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a quiet sleep environment can help you get the sleep you need.
Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of good: You don’t have to be perfect. If healthy eating is your goal, that doesn’t mean you have to give up all of the foods you love at once. Try making one or two small changes at a time.
Eat fruit for dessert: Skimming sugar is on everyone’s radar these days, and rightly so! Americans have been consuming way too much of the sugary stuff, resulting in increased risks of cardiac and metabolic diseases. Instead of a cookie or brownie, have a piece of antioxidant-rich fruit.
