The new year has officially started and for many people, it’s a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future.
It’s easy to get swept up in making resolutions for the upcoming year, then easily forget them a few weeks or a few months into the year.
But, don’t despair – it’s not impossible to establish and stick to some new strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips.
Be a smart snacker.
Before you head out to the door, take a couple of minutes to eat a healthy snack. Choose a protein-rich snack like fresh apples and peanut butter or a piece of turkey with cheese. That way, when you are out and about, you’re not tempted to stop to get fast food or grab a greasy snack at the grocery store checkout line.
Eat mindfully.
Once the new year excitement has worn off a bit, it might be tempting to settle back into your old eating patterns. This is where eating mindfully comes into play. Before you head to the fridge or pantry, pause for a moment. Reflect on how you feel: are you actually hungry, or are you sad, stressed, or bored? After assessing your real motivation for eating, consider whether you are truly hungry for a portion of food or if just a small taste will satisfy.
A healthy diet means consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods within and across the food groups, especially whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products, and lean meats and other protein sources. Also, limiting the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, sodium (salt), and alcohol.
Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach.
Whether it’s caramel corn at the mall or fresh-baked bread in the bakery section of the supermarket, your olfactory receptors will be bombarded with aromatic foods all year long. Be sure your impulses don’t dictate what goes into your cart. Combat these temptations by planning your store visit only after eating a healthy meal.
Food is an important part of life and it is meant to be enjoyed. The main thing is to keep balance and moderation in mind.
Our team at Broadway Medical Clinic takes your nutrition seriously. If you have questions about setting yourself up for nutritional success in 2020, or you want to schedule your routine wellness check-up, contact us today.