For many of us, the New Year brings pressure to overhaul our lives with diet and lifestyle changes. When it comes to weight loss and dieting, small changes are better than no changes at all. Setting easy goals can give you the confidence to move on and accomplish even bigger things. Improving your health is a process, so here are five minor adjustments you can make to begin your wellness journey.
Add vegetables for breakfast: Getting veggies in at every meal is a great way to make your meal nutritious. Get creative and try including a veggie in the first meal of the day. Add peppers and onions to your scrambled eggs, or spinach and mushrooms in your omelet, or add tomato to your avocado toast.
Carry a water bottle: Reaching for your water bottle doesn’t just keep you hydrated; it also keeps you from craving liquid calories like soda and juice. Plus, drinking more water delays hunger pangs and random cravings.
Increase variety by planning your meals: A healthy eating routine is important at every stage of life and can have positive effects that add up over time. Visualize food groups and build a healthy plate for each meal. Try a different food (vegetable/ protein/fruit) every week and find ways to include them in your meals.
Make a workout date: Exercising with a partner has many benefits. Instead of meeting a friend or coworker for happy hour, schedule yoga or spin class. Tap a fitness-loving friend to be your new workout buddy. If you’re in a relationship, go for a run with your partner on Sunday instead of (or better yet, before) going to brunch.
Take a break while eating: Pausing a meal to let your food settle gives you time to evaluate whether you are still hungry, instead of just finishing your plate quickly or adding seconds.
