One of the best ways to improve your health is by upgrading the food that you eat. Choosing to eat more whole foods and c in the new year like vegetables, fruits, nuts, quinoa, barley, fish and seeds is an excellent way to ensure that your food is providing your body with the nutrition it needs. An adequate amount of whole food nutrition will keep your body performing in tip-top shape and can even help significantly reduce your risk for certain illnesses and diseases. Replacing sugary foods with nutrient-rich ones will also help stabilize blood sugar levels and body weight.
Plus, the great thing about adding whole foods to your diet is that it can be done slowly. Instead of ridding your pantry of anything that's not a whole food, work on introducing new foods to your diet gradually. Swap your side of fries out for a plate of veggies, or load your favorite sandwich up with more greens. Working more and more of these nutrient-rich foods into your diet daily will create a positive change over time.
If you live a busy lifestyle, then sleep is likely the last thing on your to-do list. While sleep may not seem necessary (or achievable) at the moment, too little sleep can lead to some pretty severe consequences, including a higher risk of disease.
Because there are many reasons why people don't get enough sleep, before making one of your resolutions to get more of it, it's crucial to determine why you're not getting enough in the first place. Whether it's a busy schedule, an overactive mind or bouts of insomnia, make it your goal to identify what's taking away from your sleep and improve upon it. Decreasing screen time before bed, reducing light, cutting back on caffeine and meditating are all ways that you can increase your chances of a restful night.
Don't load up on the snacks. While snack foods like packaged chips and frozen dinners are convenient, they're not too great for you. Rely less on grab and go snacks and more on wholesome, healthy treats.
By preparing homemade snacks beforehand and stocking up on convenient, healthy foods, you can ensure that whatever you're reaching for will provide you with the nutrients and energy needed to achieve your goals that day.
Remember, saying goodbye to store-bought snacks doesn't mean you have to ditch snacks altogether. Snacking on healthy homemade snacks like these Sunflower Crackers is a great way to stay satisfied during meals.
Maybe your news year's resolution isn't one of these things; maybe it's all of them together! By making more meals at home, keeping your fridge stocked with healthy foods, ditching convenient items, and focusing more on whole foods, you can create a sustainable, nourishing diet that you'll be able to stick to for years. Establishing a healthy eating plan for you will not only work wonders for your physical health, but it can also improve your mental health as well. A well-nourished body can lead to better sleep patterns, more energy and increased happiness. When customized to your personal needs, a healthy long-term diet should be nutritious and adaptable, making it one that you can follow for life.
