As the New Year approaches, it’s common for people to make resolutions related to diet and exercise. However, many of these resolutions tend to fall by the wayside after just a few weeks. Instead of setting unrealistic goals, consider making small, achievable resolutions that you can turn into habits over time. 

For example, you might aim to close your kitchen by 9 PM or take a walk every half hour of sitting. By setting small goals and building on them, you’re more likely to create sustainable lifestyle changes that can help you achieve your weight loss goals. 

Build systems, not goals. You’ve a better chance of achieving what you want.

Remember, it’s more important to start making changes, no matter how small, than to aim for perfection from the outset.

Many people wait for New Year’s Eve to take up “new” resolutions as an excuse for the procrastination they have been doing to adopt things they always wanted to. One of the most common resolutions includes “I want to eat healthy, exercise well, and lead a healthy lifestyle this year”. This is also used as an excuse to lead a carefree holiday season.

But the truth is, there is never a good day or good time to start with anything positive and productive. ‘Now’ is a good time to start anything you have ever wanted to. So, let us break our fantasized bubble and kick start our journey towards a healthier lifestyle, first with food, with the tips given below.

Health-related resolutions are among the most common among people of all genders. Exercising more, eating healthier, and losing weight are the top 3 resolutions. In fact, a study found that 70% of all resolutions relate to physical health. 

A separate study of Britons found that men and women share the same top 4 resolutions, with women focusing more on health-related goals such as losing weight and men focusing more on career advancement and reducing alcohol consumption. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted resolutions, with 75% of people shifting their focus to mental health, eating healthier, and managing finances. Exercise remains the most popular resolution overall, with 48% of people aiming to be more active in the New Year.

50% Of Gen Z want improved health as a top New Year’s resolution for 2023.
Data and image source: Forbes Health

Starting the New Year off by focusing on healthy eating is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you make healthier choices:

• Choose good sources of carbohydrates, such as whole grains, potatoes, and bread. It’s important to include at least one serving of carbs with each main meal.
• Incorporate protein-rich foods like nuts, beans, poultry, and fish into your diet.
• Opt for unsaturated fats, found in sources like fish, nuts, and plant oils, rather than foods high in trans fat.
• Avoid foods with saturated fat, as they can increase cholesterol levels, and limit your intake of sugar to reduce the risk of obesity.
• Aim to consume no more than 6 grams of salt per day, as excess salt can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Make sure to get plenty of fiber by incorporating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into your diet. These foods are essential for a healthy gut.
• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, either raw, cooked, or juiced, to get all the necessary vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Aim to include a lot of colorful fruits and vegetables, as they are rich in antioxidants.
• Get your daily dose of calcium through sources like milk, yogurt, nuts, and leafy greens. Yogurt is also a great source of beneficial bacteria for a healthy gut.
• Drink at least three liters of water per day to keep your body functioning properly.
• Practice moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking can have negative health effects.
• Don’t be afraid to add spices to your meals, as they can provide essential compounds like flavonoids and antioxidants, as well as have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Don’t skip breakfast, as it’s an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
• If you eat meat, consider incorporating one vegetarian day per week and filling your plate with plenty of leafy greens and other vegetables.
• Pay attention to portion sizes and aim for mindful eating to maintain a healthy balance in your diet.

Remember, a healthy diet is about finding the right balance of nutrients and energy to support your body’s needs. Eating too much or too little can have negative impacts on your health.

Conclusion

The above practical tips cover the basics of healthy eating and can help you make healthier choices. The key to a healthy diet is to eat right so you balance out the energy consumed with the energy used. 

Eating or drinking more than the body needs will make you put on weight because the energy that is not used is stored as fat. Eating and drinking too little will make you lose weight. So, you should always eat a wide range of foods to make sure you’re getting a balanced diet and your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs.