It seems like towards the end of the year, starting in October, tasty temptations begin to be more in-your-face. The weather turns colder, and warm, creamy comfort foods are a way to beat the cold-weather blues. The holidays bring a plethora of sweet treats, and it can be hard to say no to them despite your best intentions. By the beginning of the new year, it is easy to become down on yourself about your food choices over the last few months. Indulging in the special flavors of the season doesn’t have to wreck you.
The new year is a great time to resolve to make healthy choices and implement small changes that can have a big impact on your health. If you make small, healthy changes that turn into habits, when the holidays come around again you can enjoy your favorite specialty foods without the guilt that can accompany them! For many people January and February are the slowest months of the year, making them the perfect time to focus on your health. Here are some easy tips to get you started:
Eat nutrient-dense foods
One of the most simple ways to impact your health in a positive way is to choose nutrient-dense foods. Lean meats, whole grains, nuts, legumes, vegetables, and fruits provide everything you need to get the nutrients your body requires and will help you eat the proper amount for your energy needs. Sufficient amounts of protein, fat, and fiber from whole foods naturally keep you full and reduce cravings.
Move your body
Exercise doesn’t have to be hours at the gym. To begin, it can be as small as a few laps around your living room or up and down your driveway or street. Making exercise a priority often quickly goes from a have-to task to something you look forward to and miss when it doesn’t happen. Regular exercise improves your mood, sleep quality, physique, and overall feeling of wellbeing. Taking it outside when you can will boost the benefits, as being in nature has been proven to have stress-reducing effects.
Resistance training is essential, since healthy muscle tissue improves every other aspect of your health. There are tons of free workout videos online, or you can pay a small fee to have access to a progressive program designed to systematically strengthen your entire body. Finding ways to incorporate active things you loved to do when you were younger can give you a boost in having a desire to get moving.
When we feel motivated to change, it seems like overhauling your life all at once is the best option. While that can work for some people, most of us are more successful if we change small things a few at a time, until they become part of who we are. Set yourself up for success by choosing a few whole foods each day, drinking more water and finding an activity that you love. This year can be the year that you make lasting changes to improve your life!