January is notorious for bringing about big promises and lofty goals when it comes to personal improvement. We are all about taking charge of your health, but let’s be realistic. According to Statistic Brain, 8% of New Year’s resolutions are successful. That’s right, 8 out of every 100 people that make a resolution actually keep it thorught the year. This year we encourage you to set yourself up for success by making easier, realistic goals for yourself and your family – small changes aimed at a big impact!
1. Eat more veggies. Vegetables are loaded with vitamins and nutrients we need to maintain a good immune system. Moreover, local produce is even better for you. With less transportation time it is picked at the peak of freshness, delivering your body the most nutrient dense options the season has to offer.
2. Drink more water. It is recommended that you drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. A great way to up your water intake is to drink two glasses of water first thing in the morning before breakfast. You’ll set your day off right and find yourself with a boost of energy.
3. Consume more omega-3s. Wild caught or sustainably farmed fatty fish are not only good for our heart but great for our brains. We recommend you add in quality tuna, salmon or deep, cold water fish twice a week for healthy, delicious protein sources.
4. Cut out packaged food. But they’re so convenient, right? Packaged foods are made to last and are loaded with extra sodium, flavors and preservatives (many outlawed in other countries). Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes are great additions that taste much better. Buy them in bulk and you’ll end up spending the same.
5. Start meal planning. Cutting out packaged foods can seem overwhelming, especially on a busy weeknight. Start planning one day a week, or every other, to plan what the weekly menu will be. Whenever possible prep the labor intensive things on your meal prep day and throw together some healthy crockpot meals for the freezer. Pinterest is an amazing tool for this, follow us for some of our favorites.
6. Incorporate exercise. We all know the standard ‘you should exercise 3-5 days for 30 minutes at a time’ – well that is wonderful if it works for you, but these are easy goals! By all means, if you commit to that we encourage and applaud you. There are lots of alternatives out there. High intensity interval training is hugely popular, with the same effects of a 30 minute cardio session in as little as 15-20 minutes. Pick up yoga – it’s good for the body and mind! You’ll be shocked what stretching can do for your weight, balance, posture and mood.
The best part is, you don’t have to do all of these at once. Pick one or two a month to focus on until it becomes a part of your routine. What are you waiting for? Make 2017 the best year yet.
