How To Stay Healthy In New Year

As the calendar turns its page, we are presented with opportunity of new start, a chance to put our priorities in order, setting new goals, embracing a healthier you and a better version of ourselves. For some people, they will be setting healthy goals such as; starting an exercise routine/staying active, building muscle, eating healthy, loosing weight.

However more often people break their new year health resolution within few weeks because their chosen health and wellness goals are unsustainable and/or too restrictive. To be successful with your resolution, it is important that you set goals that can be followed for life at the same time help you improve your heath and wellbeing.

Here are some ways in which they can help to stay health through out the year

Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals is important for a long term success in achieving health and wellbeing. Focus on small, sustainable changes rather than overwhelming yourself with unrealistic goals. Tracking your progress and monitoring can help you stay on the right path. Try and find ways to be active that you find enjoyable and achievable.

Eating more whole foods

Whole foods are unprocessed and unrefined, or processed and refined as little as possible before being consumed. They are free from added fats, salt and sugars. Whole food includes whole grains, legumes, good fats, vegetables and fruits and they are essential for a healthy and balanced diet. By eating whole foods can have several health benefits such as improving blood pressure, cholesterol levels and weight.

Plan ahead

Prepare for healthy eating and exercise by planning your workouts and your meals in advance. By doing this it will help you to stay on track and also save time. Remember ”By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” – Benjamin Franklin

Stay active

Staying active is essential for both mental and physical well being. It can reduce the risk of health conditions, stress, and anxiety .There are many ways to stay active such as physical exercise like; walking, running, biking, lifting weights, etc. Try to move your body frequently during the day. Being active can also help to boosting your mood.

Cook meals at home

Cooking your own meals at home you have a better control over the ingredients and cooking methods which can lead to healthier choices. Cooking at home allows you the freedom to incorporate more wholegrain, vegetables, and fruits into your diet .By cooking your own meals at home you can develop a sustainable approach to healthy living.

Loose weight and keep it off

Losing weight can play a major role to overall of your health. Carrying excess weight can lead to many health issues. If your goal is to loose weight then aim for sustainable and gradual weight loss, focusing on balanced diet and regular physical activity. Weight loss can have a positive impact on one’s mental health and can also boost self-esteem.

I am not a medical professional but most advice is losing 1-2 pounds a week is sustainable. However consult with a healthcare professional or certified dietitian before making a drastic changes to your diet.

Do fasting

Fasting is when you intentionally abstain from food and in some cases drinks. Fasting has been practiced for centuries for various reasons such as: religious, health goals, cultural traditions. They are so many types of fasting such as Intermittent fasting (IF), water fasting, partial fasting, juice fasting

Most people do some sort of fasting without realising they are doing it. For Instant if your last meal was at 7pm and your next meal is (breakfast) at 7am, you fasted for 12hours. Fasting gives a chance for your digestive system to take a break during the fasting period. This can also improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

Fasting can offer health benefits for certain individuals. However fasting is not for suitable for everyone so consult with a healthcare professional before attempting a fasting regime. Extended fasting should be approached with caution.

Good quality sleep

Sleep is the most important part of overall health. Lack of sleep can lead to serious problems like heart disease, depression, weight gain, and lack of concentration. Make sure you prioritise good sleep, you could do this by setting a consistence bedtime.

If you are struggling with sleep, you can improve it by cutting back on caffeine, and reduce or avoid screen time before bed.

Celebrate your milestones

Break your health goals into smaller achievable benchmarks and celebrate your success along the way too.

What do you think?

Leave a comment below to help other readers in our community:

• What is the best thing you have done or do to eat and stay healthy?
• Which one of these will you start with?

Until next time Stay Healthy!

Emma xx