Countdown is done, new year is here and so are our New Year’s resolutions! Most often, our resolutions are all about setting goals for ourselves involving our health, weight, and lifestyle. We tend to go extreme sometimes, we choose restrictive and untenable plans leading us to give up by the second week of the year. To break the cycle this year, let’s follow some simple steps that can enhance our way of living and thus our health.
• Drink more water. Water can help in weight management, boosts physical performance, affects energy levels and brain function, and helps prevent and relieve constipation. Therefore, aim to drink 2 to 3 liters of water per day.
• Eat more whole foods. These include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Because they are rich in fiber, they have a significant importance in reducing heart diseases, controlling body weight and blood sugar levels, and decreasing the risk of many other diseases. Start by adding at least one portion of your favorite vegetables to your food intake every day.
• Choose better cooking methods. Try baking or grilling instead of frying. Use vegetable oils instead of butter and ghee. Use fruits and honey instead of white refined sugar. Cut back on highly processed foods and use fresh ingredients instead.
• Diversify your diet. Being on a diet that is plentiful in various kinds of food supports your gut bacteria, supports a healthy body weight and shields against chronic diseases. Aim always for a rainbow in your plate. Try to introduce new foods one at a time.
• Move more. First, pick a physical activity that you like and fits into your schedule. If you make yourself do something you do not enjoy, you will not be able to sustain it. Then, set a realistic goal that can boost the chances of making your new practice last.
This new year, try following these simple sustainable steps to create a healthier relationship with food and your body, thus, improving your health in different ways.
