27 Dec 5 Simple, Healthy New Year’s Resolutions That Will Stick
It’s a sad fact that every year, many people embark on New Year’s resolutions that don’t stick beyond a couple of weeks and have little or no impact on their long term health. Here are some ideas for alternative simple and healthy New Year’s resolutions that have the potential to stick for good.
DON’T JOIN A GYM IF YOU DON’T LIKE GOING TO THE GYM…
If exercise feels like a chore, chances are you’re not going to commit to it long term. What’s more, access to gyms is restricted for many of us right now and may well be for a while to come. Instead, work on finding an exercise you enjoy. If you’ve not tried classes before, there are now a huge variety available. Class Pass allows you to try out different classes online, from yoga and pilates to dance and HIIT, enabling you to find what works for you. YouTube workouts and apps like FIIT also enable you to access guided workouts at home. You might choose to take up running with a friend or commit to a daily brisk walk. There are so many options available – the gym isn’t your only route to fitness.
FOCUS ON WHAT TO EAT MORE OF
If your New Years goals include improving your diet, try focussing on the foods to embrace, rather than what you’re cutting down on. The majority of us could do with eating more vegetables, so why not find creative ways to make vegetables more interesting? Here are a few ideas to get you started. Try buying some different types of fish and seafood and experiment with veggie sources of protein such as tofu and pulses. Paleo Leap is a fantastic sources of healthy recipes. Focussing on what you can eat, rather than what you’re cutting down on, is a far more positive way to approach weight loss.
DRINK YOURSELF HEALTHY
One of the easiest ways many of us could improve our health is to change what we drink. Change your ordinary tea for green tea, or rooibos with unsweetened nut milk. If you’re hooked on sugar in your hot drinks, switch to stevia or xylitol until you can cut down to none at all, ideally.
When it comes to alcohol, it’s all too easy to get into the habit of drinking every night. Or regularly drinking above the recommended amount. Or both of the above! Of course, a Dry January is a great idea but if you’re not prepared to commit to a whole month off alcohol, start by consciously drinking less. Have at least two days without alcohol per week. Set yourself a goal of drinking one glass less per night. On a night out, or an occasion where you’re likely to drink an increased amount, decide in advance how many drinks to have and stick to it! You’ll thank yourself for it the next day…
And of course, don’t forget to drink plenty of water. There are apps available that can prompt you with reminders to drink throughout the day if you tend to forget.
SUPER SUPPLEMENTS YOU’LL STICK WITH
Well chosen supplements can have a significant impact on improving our health. However, many of us aren’t consistent with taking them. We work to find our clients supplements that are easy to stick to taking. Often we see a far greater compliance with sprays, powders and liquids over pills and capsules.
Vitamin D is vital for good health, including our immune system health. The government recommends that we all supplement it during autumn and winter months. We recommend BetterYou’s D-Lux range. Their mint flavoured sprays can be kept next to your tooth brush to take after you’ve brushed your teeth.
Bioniq create personalised supplement formulas based on your own unique needs, identified after a simple blood test. The supplement comes as granuals meaning it’s easy to add into a smoothie or sprinkle on food.
Protein powders can be an easy way to boost the protein content of your breakfast. Pop a scoop of good quality protein powder into your smoothie, or mix it into your porridge.
SWAP TO A HEALTHIER SWEET TREAT
How many of us can admit to sweet treats being our weakness?! When you feel like you want to eat something sweet, identify healthier alternatives that aren’t loaded with sugar that you can enjoy instead. I like Pulsin’ Keto Bars. They are low carb, vegan protein bars that contain 13g protein per bar. There are an increasing number of tasty, good quality, natural protein bars available these days. Swapping your chocolate bar or biscuit for one is an easy way to boost your protein intake and reducing your sugar consumption.
If you feel like you could benefit from some personalised advice and support with improving your health or losing weight in 2021, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We offer a complimentary 25 minute strategy call to anyone interested in working with us.