Ten Ideas to Start Off a Healthy and Happy 2013

Ten Ideas to Start Off a Healthy and Happy 2013

1. Make a New Years resolution that you can keep. Vowing to yourself that you'll eliminate all sweets and processed carbohydrates, exercise seven days a week, and only eat out once per month is unrealistic for almost everyone. If you do choose to make a health-related resolution, choose only one or two, make sure it is focused, and make it something you truly can and want to achieve. You're far more likely to keep it if you set yourself up for success by making it realistic.
   

   
    

2. Drink more water. Think very carefully before you consider consuming empty calories through beverages (soda, juice, wine, beer, sports drinks, cappuccino, etc.) Is it worth it? Beverage calories can be reduced to zero if you stick to water, and you will feel good physically, too. (Plus-it's free!) Add a squeeze of lime or lemon, or a sprig of mint to keep it interesting. (Don't fret – coffee and tea are still ok, as long as it isn't loaded with sugar and cream.)
   

   
    

3. Do one more active thing daily. If you currently don't exercise at all, just think of taking one flight of stairs that you might usually do by elevator, or parking at the back of the lot to walk into the supermarket. If you currently exercise several days per week, consider adding 5-10 minutes onto your current routine, or add something that's missing (cardio? Weights?) Start small, but make it consistent.
   

 

1. Add one more vegetable serving to your plate each day. (1 cup of leafy greens is a serving, ½ cup cooked or raw veggies is a serving, ½ cup pure vegetable juice is one serving). Spinach and tomatoes on your sandwich? Red peppers and mushrooms with your eggs? Carrots in your smoothie?
   

 

1. Try a new vegetable! If you've never had kohlrabi, broccolini, or jicama, now is the time! Google a recipe and expand your veggie horizons.
   

 

1. Include your family in your nutrition or exercise endeavors. It will make it easier to maintain your new habits, and it will be good for them as well.
   

 

1. If you are considering joining a gym, don't do it immediately. It will cost you money just to sign up, and if you end up not liking it, not going, or it's too crowded, and you'll regret it and lose your money. Shop around, and ask for a free trial period of at least a week, or maybe a month. Most gyms will be more than willing to accommodate, especially at the beginning of the year when new member specials abound. Once you get a sense of the gym and see how it fits into your life, then you can join. Just don't waste money on something that might not work in the long run. Gyms make mega-money on people who sign on but never show up.
   

 

1. Consider eliminating carbohydrates from at least one dinner per week, maybe more. That means eat only lean protein and veggies for dinner, loading up on the veggies, and avoiding potatoes, rice, and pasta as side dishes.
   

 

1. Get outside! Even if it's chilly, bundle up and walk a block or two, breathing the fresh air and getting some winter sunshine. It's good for your body and your mind, especially while the daylight hours are minimal.
   

   
    

2. Set small goals, and be proud of small successes. Any major lifestyle changes take time, and none of them happen overnight. If you want to lose 20 lbs, start with a goal of 5 lbs, and then another 5 lbs once you reach the first goal. Small successes still deserve to be celebrated, and they make the longer-term goals more attainable. If you can do the first 5, you know you can do the next.
   

 

Happy New Year, all year long!