Resolve to make small, healthy changes

With the new year just starting, many of us have been thinking about resolutions—save money, hit the gym, lose weight; nothing new here. But this year, I suggest that you think a little smaller. Small changes are easier to stick with, more tangible and more rewarding. I’ve given you a few ideas, but feel free to think up a few of your own. Here’s to a healthy year ahead!

Resolution Rx: Try a new food

Try a new fruit, veggie or whole grain each week. 

We like what we know, and that’s totally OK. There’s comfort in familiarity. But there’s also a real advantage to trying new foods. You score new vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients by going for different colored fruits and veggies as well as new whole grains. Plus, they offer different tastes and textures so you get to experience new flavors. Make an effort to pick up one new good-for-you ingredient each week and find interesting ways to use it. For instance, make jicama fries; whip up a batch of farro salad; add star fruit to a fruit salad. 

Resolution Rx: Choose healthier sips

Choose healthier sips

After a holiday filled with delicious, festive drinks (I’m talking about you, Peppermint Martini and Eggnog), make a promise to enjoy only alcohol-free bevvies for a month. Maybe “Dry January” will be so productive, it will spill over into February and beyond. You can enjoy water or sparkling water (I love all the delicious flavors from LaCroix, especially Coconut and Peach-Pear), or some of my DIY creations, like Pamplemousse Mojito Mocktail or this Baby It’s Cold Out-Chai’d Tea. 

Resolution Rx: Walk more

Walk 10,000 steps daily

This may seem like a large number, but over the course of the day, it’s really not that overwhelming. Wear a pedometer or activity tracker and work on hitting that mark—use the stairs, take an extra lap before sitting at your desk, choose the last spot in the parking lot. Small steps add up quickly. Add this daily goal to any formal exercise you do (which also counts toward this goal) and you’ll be surprised by how impressive the results will be.

Resolution Rx: Splurge on dessert

Splurge on a better-for-you dessert

I’m not suggesting you give up your favorite desserts—just find easy ways to make them a little healthier. For instance, make brownies with lentils in them (for added fiber without compromising the indulgent chocolatey flavor). Make my Superfood Ice Pops (pictured above), which are loaded with super nutritious ingredients like kale, matcha powder, berries and flaxseed. Or enjoy this luxurious Ice Cream, made purely out of bananas.

Resolution Rx: Be kind to yourself

Be kind[er] to yourself

Admit it, you’re tough on yourself. That’s how must of us are—we don’t give ourselves any wiggle room when we slip up, we’re quick to anger and slow to forgive ourselves. Yet, when it’s a friend or family member, we offer kind words, a shoulder to cry on, and lots of support. This year, make an effort to treat yourself the same way: Give yourself compliments, be forgiving, find ways to be more supportive. For example, start each day repeating a positive mantra: “You got this!” or “You are worthy.” or “You are enough.” Find a phrase that works for you, write it on a post-it or make it your phone screensaver—anywhere you’ll see it often. Soon enough, you’ll start to believe it.

Resolution Rx: Get more sleep

Get more sleep

This one hits close to home as I often find myself up late, doing laundry, catching up on work, binge-watching a show on Netflix or responding to emails! But sleep is vital to health. Start small by adding 10 to 15 more minutes each night until you work up to an hour. Your ultimate goal: 7 to 8 hours a night. That’s what most experts recommend for optimal health. That means turning off the TV (sorry, Jimmy Kimmel and Fallon), putting the phone down, logging off your computer and hitting the sack a little earlier. Use these 8 tips to make bedtime a breeze. You’ll feel energized, upbeat and ready to face the day the next morning.

 

Resolution Rx

Resolve to make small, healthy changes

As the New Year approaches, many of us begin to start thinking about resolutions—save money, hit the gym, lose weight; nothing new here. But this year, I suggest that you think a little smaller. Small changes are easier to stick with, more tangible and more rewarding. I’ve given you a few ideas, but feel free to think up a few of your own. Here’s to a healthy year ahead!