We all know that New Year’s Resolutions are abundantly made but rarely kept. The key to keeping your healthy resolutions this year is to keep it simple. If your resolution is to lose weight chances are one of the reasons you want to lose weight is to be healthier. Well, it may be simpler than you think to get started. With these five tips you will be on your way to being healthier and happier in the New Year.
1. Drink more water. Of course, since our bodies are made up of mostly water it is essential for good health. While quitting your soda habit cold turkey maybe unrealistic, a goal of drinking eight glasses a day is doable if you start by replacing just one soda a day with a glass of water. Before you know it you will be drinking more water and less soda.
2. Eat breakfast. We’ve all heard this time and time again but, breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day because after fasting all night you need to jump start your metabolism. Studies show that even just a small meal in the a.m. helps improve your chances of losing weight and keeping it off.
3. Exercise in spurts. While exercise is important the traditional route of spending hours in the gym doesn’t necessarily fit every lifestyle. Good news! It’s proven that even short bouts of exercise lasting eight to ten minutes can still improve your health, lessen the chance of disease and help burn extra calories. So the next time you feel that aftenoon slump coming on instead of reaching for a sugary snack try doing some squat jumps or pushups. Aim for three sets two or three times a day.
4. Pick a bad habit to change. We all have a few bad habits that need purging. For some it’s eating late nights, for others it could be a sweet addiction. While swearing of that mid night snack or sweet tooth for good may be overwhelming choosing a habit to change one day at time is more likely to lead to success. Midnight snackers can make it a goal to eat no later than three hours before bed and sweet-aholics may choose to cut down to one treat per week.
5. Eat less meat. Factually, most Americans consume some form of meat several days a week. Eating too much red meat can lead to weight gain, heart disease and high blood pressure. Limiting consumption to no more than two or three times a week can greatly reduce the health risks. Starting a meatless Monday or a salad Saturday can help your family head down the path to eating less meat and more greens!
Small changes add up to big results in the way of health. So, kick of the New Year right and put a few of these tips to work for you. You’ll be healthier and happier all year long.
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