5 Tips to Inspire Healthy New Year’s Resolutions
Not everyone is a fan of New Year’s resolutions. But we hope to inspire you with these 5 tips that would take minimal effort and make a major positive impact on your life.
If you desire a healthier lifestyle that gets you feeling happier, healthier and more energetic, here are some simple ways to make major changes this year!
1. Eat (more) whole foods
One of the most sustainable changes to implement and create a healthier you in 2024 is by eating more whole foods such as: vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, whole grains and fish. These foods contain an enormous amount of nutrients that your body needs.
Whole foods will also help you feel energised for longer periods of time. Whole foods can help reduce heart disease, body weight, blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of disease.
2. Cut back on sweetened beverages
If you love your sweet drinks, especially ones with carbonation, consider pops with alternative sweeteners such as stevia, or monk fruit.
Start weaning yourself off the sugar by switching it out for flavoured water with carbonation! Sugary drinks have been linked to an increased risk of obesity, fatty liver, heart disease and insulin resistance and cavities.
Dropping the sweet drinks is an easy way to cut calories if you have a weight loss goal this year!
3. Get up and get moving!
Whether you have a career that keeps you behind a desk all day or struggle to get motivated, sitting too much has a negative impact on your body and overall health. Having a resolution to sit less this year can be easily attained by implementing a 15-minute walk on your lunch break or getting up for a 5-minute walk and stretching every hour.
Perhaps your job is close enough that you could walk or ride a bike to work. Over time you’ll start to notice and feel the positive effects moving has on your joints and muscles, your stamina, your mental state as well as your digestion!
Consider taking a 15-minute walk after dinner by yourself or with your family.
4. Spend less time on the screen and more time outside!
Do you spend too much time in front of a screen? Put down the screen and get outside. Studies are showing a correlation between increased screen use/social media engagement and rates of depression and anxiety.
If you feel affected in this way, take some time away, leave your phone behind and head outside for a walk to get some fresh air and vitamin D. After only 10 minutes of being outdoors in nature our blood pressure begins to lower, and mood and focus improves.
Forget about the world for a moment and be present with self and nature. Bring your family along for some quality time being present with one another.
5. Drink more water!
It’s a well known that human beings are made up of 50 to 70% water. We also know that we should be drinking 2.7 to 3.7 litres of water a day. Yet, many of us aren’t.
Drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day will increase your energy levels, brain function and physical performance. It may also help treat and prevent headaches, as well as relieving constipation and kidney stones.
Give it a try by waking up and drinking 4 oz. of water right away, then another 4 oz. while making breakfast, 4 oz. while eating and 4 oz. when you’re done. Before you start work you’ve already finished two glasses!
If you were to incorporate a similar routine at lunch and dinner that would guarantee 6 out of the 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Do this consistently and you will notice your body performing better.
One step at a time
When you think about creating a healthier lifestyle for yourself, take it one step at a time. Start by implementing one small change and in being consistent, create the momentum to reach your goals.
You’ve got this!
Happy 2024!