Healthy New Year’s Resolutions
Everyone is looking for a fresh start with the new year. In order to truly leave 2020 in the past, new habits and goals are required. However, it can be difficult to choose the new year’s resolutions that are right for you and the ones that you will follow for life, not just the first few months of the new year. In case you don’t know what healthy goals to pursue, here are a few ideas.
1. Eat more whole foods– Whole foods include vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish, which contain a plethora of nutrients that your body needs to function at an optimal level. Following a whole-foods-based diet may significantly reduce heart disease risk factors, body weight, and blood sugar levels, as well as decrease your risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
2. Be more active – Sitting for a long time will have a negative effect on your health. So, find a physical activity that you enjoy and pursue it; taking a 15 min. walk can be a start.
3. Cut back on sweetened beverages– Sugary drinks are linked to an increased risk of obesity, fatty liver, heart disease, insulin resistance, and cavities in both children and adults. Hence, it is imperative that you try to cut back on these.
4. Get more sleep– Everyone knows the importance of sleep. The lack of sleep may increase your risk of weight gain, heart disease, and depression. Decreasing screen time before bed, reducing light pollution in your bedroom, cutting back on caffeine, and getting to bed at a reasonable hour are some simple ways to improve your quality of sleep.
5. Take more time for self-care- Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time consuming. You can take a bath every week, preparing a healthy meal for yourself, going for a walk in nature, or getting an extra hour of sleep.
6. Cook more meals at home– Research shows that people who cook more meals at home have better diet quality and less body fat than people who eat more meals on the go.
7. Spend more time outside– Spending more time outdoors can improve health by relieving stress, elevating mood, and even lowering blood pressure
8. Reduce your screen time-Spending too much time on electronic devices, especially on social media, has been linked to depression, anxiety, and loneliness in some studies. This may help boost your mood and enhance productivity.
9. Go grocery shopping regularly-Having a well-stocked pantry and fridge is necessary to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals.
10. Cut back on alcohol– If you think cutting back on alcohol may be helpful for you, set a reasonable goal to limit your drinking to weekend nights only or setting a drink limit for the week.
11. Be more present– Research shows that being more present may improve life satisfaction by decreasing negative thoughts, consequently improving your psychological health. Being more present could simply mean spending less time on your phone, stopping to notice your environment, and listening intently to others.
13. Try a new hobby– Research shows that partaking in a hobby that you love can help you live a longer, healthier life.
14. Visit the doctor– Having regular blood work and necessary screenings can help spot potential problems before they become serious. Most experts recommend seeing your primary care physician at least once a year for a checkup.
15. Stop negatively talking about your body– Research shows that engaging in and hearing negative body talk is associated with higher levels of body dissatisfaction and decreased self-esteem in both women and men. So, stop doing it! Focus on the beauty of yourself, instead of the few flaws.
16. Create a nutritious and sustainable diet– Take a resolution to break the dieting cycle and create a sustainable, nourishing eating pattern that works for you.The healthiest diet is one that’s rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods and low in heavily processed, sugary products. A healthy, long-term diet should not only be nutritious but also adaptable, meaning you can follow it for life.
Rather your new year’s resolution is beginning a healthier diet, starting an exercise routine, or learning a new skill, you need to be determined to keep it. Try following some of these healthy goals so your year can be the happiest and most beneficial.