Reset Your Resolution
Marek Uliasz
We're more than a few weeks into the New Year -- have you kept up with your resolution? If not, no need to feel guilty and sabotage future health goals. Unattainable health goals only lead to a sense of failure which in turn becomes lack of motivation and you are right back where you started. Instead, set one or two small goals you know you can stick with. You can always add a few more throughout the year. Setting attainable goals will keep you motivated and feeling positive about the lifestyle choices you have made. hese healthy resolutions are the perfect way to make health upgrades to your lifestyle any time of year. So even if you haven't made good on your original resolution, pick up one (or several) of these and make 2013 a healthy year.
- Ditch Processed Foods: Assess your cabinets and gradually rid yourself of one processed food a month or a week if you are very motivated. Make small changes like switching from canned to frozen vegetables or a microwave dinner to a meal you're cooked at home.
- Hydrate: Most of us do not drink enough water or even worse, we're drinking caloric beverages instead. Add one glass of water to your daily routine. It's that simple.
- Eat Breakfast: The old saying, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" exists for a reason. Challenge yourself to start the day off right and eat a healthy breakfast. It can be as simple as yogurt and fruit or an English muffin with almond butter.
- Cook Once a Week: You'd be surprised how many people don’t cook. Get into the kitchen and prepare yourself a meal. Heck, make extra so you have leftovers for the next day. Cooking at home saves money and is the best way to control the foods we eat.
- Go Vegetarian: You may have heard of Meatless Mondays -- try it out. Prepare or eat one vegetarian meal a week. Most of us are lacking when it comes to our vegetable intake. Take this opportunity to reconnect with your veggies, grains and beans. Your body and the planet will be thankful.
- Eat More Fish: Fish is a rich source of heart-healthy fats and other beneficial nutrients. Challenge yourself to eat fish once a week. Pack tuna for lunch or roast some salmon for dinner. If you're not a fan of fish, try something mild like cod or halibut. You might surprise yourself and love it.
- Eat Whole Grains: Whole grains like quinoa, rice, millet and amaranth can be easy additions to any meals. Make a large batch then reheat for quick and easy breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
- Sugar Swap: Try to make the switch from refined sugars to natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. Even better, decrease your sugar intake overall. Read labels and avoid foods with added sugars. Ditching processed foods is a great way to achieve this.
- Eat the Rainbow: Colorful fruits and vegetables are a key component when it comes to nourishing your body. Try to eat produce in every color of the rainbow, everyday. This is a simple way to ensure you are eating a variety of good for you nutrients.
- Go Nuts: Try to include nuts and seeds (think pumpkin, sesame, flax and sunflower to name a few) into your diet daily. Toss them into cereal or add them to a salad. However you eat them, nuts and seeds are loaded with heart healthy, anti-inflammatory fats and plant protein that do your body good.