There’s nothing more exciting than the promise of new beginnings! January is a time to recharge, refresh and turn over a new page in your life. Sadly, often times our resolve fades and we go back to our old habits before spring rolls around. Don’t expect to change your old ways overnight! Forming new habits takes time and effort and you shouldn’t be discouraged if you slip up here and there. Take this opportunity to step back and reexamine old habits so you can make this year your best one yet!
Eat Healthier!
Changing your eating habits might seem challenging, but if you take baby steps, you’ll be eating and feeling better in no time. Start small by tweaking your daily routine little by little and incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Flavor sparkling water with lemon or other fruits instead of drinking soda for a refreshing change. Substitute baby carrots for chips for a snack that still offers a delicious crunch. Instead of white bread, go for whole wheat.
Try new recipes that incorporate fresh produce for a healthy change, however, remember to listen to your body and indulge every once in a while so you don’t binge on fatty foods later. Focus on eating healthy 80% of the time, while allowing yourself to indulge in comfort foods the other 20%, just like Dr. Murad’s Pitcher of Health suggests. The bulk of your meals should include whole grains, lean protein, and fresh fruits and vegetables, but allow yourself that cookie every once in awhile. When you become more conscious of your eating habits, you’ll soon be reaching for healthier options without even thinking about it!
Be More Active!
It seems like every year gym memberships spike in the beginning of the year, only to go back down a few months later. Keep in mind that you can’t become a fitness junkie overnight. Try to ramp up your daily routine and sneak in exercise throughout the day. Use the stairs instead of the elevator, go to the gym with a friend or play with your dog for an hour! Make exercise fun for you, instead of just a chore!
Don’t Stress Out!
Your health doesn’t just depend on your eating habits or how often you work out. Take an inclusive approach to your overall wellbeing. A key component to feeling your best is taking care of your emotional health. Make sure that you keep your stress at a manageable level. We all have times where it seems like there’s way too much to do and not enough time to do it, but the important thing is not to let that overwhelm you. When you’re feeling stressed, take five minutes to hop off Facebook, step away from your phone and turn off your electronics. It might seem counter-productive to disconnect for a few minutes, but by doing so, you’ll be able to think more clearly and maybe reach a solution that you weren’t able to see before!
