01 Jan 5 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions That Will Stick
According to new research from M&S Food, 33% of people report they will be making health commitments in the new year. 41% said that they want to improve their nutrition through healthy food choices. The problem is that nearly a third (30%) just don’t know where to start with their healthy new year’s resolutions.
If you’re not sure where to start with improving your health and nutrition this new year, here are some ideas for simple and healthy resolutions that you will actually be able to keep.
5 SIMPLE HEALTHY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO MAKE THIS YEAR
FOCUS ON WHAT TO EAT MORE OF
If your new year 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 pulses like chickpeas and lentils. 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 more positive way to approach healthy eating.
Check out our article 17 Simple Healthy Swaps for more effortless ways to improve your diet.
DRINK YOURSELF HEALTHY
One of the easiest ways many of us could improve our health is to change what we drink. If you’re hooked on sugar in your hot drinks, switch to stevia or xylitol or cut down to none at all. Change your ordinary tea for green tea, or rooibos with unsweetened nut milk.
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, 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. Know what 14 units looks like and aim to not regularly exceed that over the course of a week. 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.
MOVE MORE (WITH EXERCISE YOU LIKE)
If exercise feels like a chore, chances are you’re not going to commit to it long term. Don’t feel like you have to join a gym if you don’t like going to the gym. Instead, find an exercise you enjoy. If you’ve not tried classes before, there are now 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. Moving your body every day in a way that feels good to you will help you stay consistent.
SELECT HEALTHY 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. Our team of nutritionists create tailored supplement protocols for clients. Whilst everyone is different, most people can benefit from a vitamin D supplement, a high quality multi vitamin and mineral and an omega 3.
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 multinutrient 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. Or select a multi from a high quality brand like Nutri Advanced who provide a selection that enables you to select one that best suits you.
Our go-to omega is Life & Soul from Bare Biology.
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.
WISE UP ON YOUR SUGAR INTAKE
Are sweet treats your weakness? It’s a great idea to make cutting down on sugar your healthy new year’s resolution. When you fancy something sweet, identify healthier alternatives that aren’t loaded with sugar that you can enjoy instead. We 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.
WORK WITH US FOR A HEALTHY NEW YEAR
If you’re looking to lose weight, optimise your health and build long term, sustainable habits this new year, we can help. We are a team of qualified nutritionists who specialise in weight loss. We can support you in overcoming your weight challenges, achieving your goal weight and maintaining it long term. You can use this link to book in for a complimentary call today. This is an opportunity to talk through your challenges with a qualified nutritionist and decide together whether one of our Intelligent Weight Loss programmes is right for you. Or contact us to request a copy of our brochure and we will get back to you soon.
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