A Few New Year's Resolutions You Can Stick To

Now that 2021 has come to a close and 2022 is underway, I think many of us are saying, "Thank goodness!" What a ride last year was, right?

A new year often means setting new health goals or even re-evaluating old ones to see if it's time for adjustments. New year's resolutions can be tough to keep as they are often restrictive and unrealistic. So, why not make this year's resolutions doable, flexible, attainable, and sustainable. Try these few tips to get started: 

1) Eat more "wholesome foods."

By just focusing on increasing fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and less meat, you can make a lot of headway in healthier eating habits overall. Start with small steps like always having a piece of fruit in the morning or enjoying a salad with a certain amount of meals a week. Make a doable list of ideas to help you increase your intake of wholesome foods. 

2) Eat out less and cook at home more. 

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, many of us fall into the habit of eating out or grabbing something to go. Now that the holidays are over, plan to eat more home-cooked meals. If cooking seems overwhelming, get vegetables you can steam in the bag, pre-cooked shredded chicken, and microwavable brown rice. There are so many more convenient options for creating home-cooked meals in a flash and many healthy ones. Make sure you always read labels of any prepared foods for sodium and added ingredients you don’t need or want. 

3) Shop using a “healthy” grocery list and stick to it. 

Going to the store hungry with no list can be a disaster. You undoubtedly will come back with many items you really didn’t want to buy. Plan a few meals that will cover 3-4 days and then make a list of those ingredients plus some healthful staples to have on hand. This can help you stay on track. 

4) Practice mindful eating habits. 

Take time to sit down and eat slowly. Take time in between bites. Really smell and taste what you are eating. Eating a meal should be a slower pleasurable experience. Be present at mealtime!!

5) Evaluate your dietary supplement plan. 

Are you taking in all the nutrients you need? The new year is a great time to schedule micronutrient testing to see if you are suboptimal or deficient in any nutrients and streamline your supplementation to meet your specific needs. 

For more new years health recommendations and custom services, contact FitLife today!

Diet and Nutrients , Meal and Menu Planning, Blog