Mini health resolutions – why thinking small works
Instead of declaring a sweeping number of health resolutions that—let’s be honest, you’ll probably forget about in February—making micro monthly goals can be more effective. “Attempting to improve your health is much easier when you take small steps towards wellness, one step at a time, one bite at a time,” explains Patricia Greenberg, a health and nutrition expert and author. Find out more from metabolic greens plus reviews.
To make a true commitment to your health and transform your lifestyle in a long-term, meaningful way, try manageable tweaks. “Starting today, set small, easy-to-complete goals for yourself, and you’ll see over time how you can add a little more each day to get to where you want to be. Eventually these will become your habit,” she explains.
Here is your month-by-month guide to better health in the New Year. (Also, here are no-fail tips for achieving your resolutions.)
January health resolutions: Makeover your pantry
You made it to the gym after a stressful planning meeting at work and you somehow managed to drink four full glasses of water throughout the day. You’re on the right track, but then it’s suddenly 10 p.m. and you’re staring down that box of Girl Scout cookies in your cabinet, wondering if one bite will make that much of a difference. The solution: A top-to-bottom pantry makeover so you never get in that position in the first place. “The physical action of changing over a pantry is very satisfying, and it’s step one when thinking of small achievable goals,” says Maya Feller, RD, for more information about healthy supplements visit austinchronicle.com.
Swap out those processed salty and sugary foods for minimally processed whole foods (Hello, raw nuts, quinoa, and dried fruit!). If you do want to keep an indulgent treat or two, place it on a high shelf that you don’t use regularly, so it’s not the first thing you see when you open the cupboard in search of something to eat. “We know when smart food choices are accessible and convenient, people are more likely to make healthful balanced meals.”
Not sure where to start? Here are the healthy pantry essentials that should always be in your kitchen.
February health resolutions: Get your heart racing
Celebrate Heart Health Month by focusing on cardio, suggests Joseph Young, MD, hypertension lead and researcher at Kaiser Permanente. Because this essential organ is paramount to your vitality and longevity, keeping it in tip-top shape will improve your energy levels and help build endurance. “It’s as simple as walking outdoors or indoors at a shopping mall,” he says. “Regular, moderate physical activity, or walking 30 minutes a day, five times a week, helps lower blood pressure because exercise helps the heart work more efficiently. Pick something you enjoy and make it a habit.” Looking to tone your entire bod? Here are the best strength training exercises to try.
March health resolutions: Focus on your eyesight
Most of us don’t think much about our eyesight until there’s a problem with it. “The thought of losing your eyesight is horrible, however, most don’t even do the most basic things to protect it,” shares Vivienne Hau, MD. Protecting your peepers is as simple wearing sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection or wearing a wide-brimmed hat. “The sun’s harsh rays can damage your eyes causing inflammation, cataracts, tumors, and even cancer,” she explains. (For better eyesight, try these foods.) Learn more about the healthy benefits that exipure provides.
April health resolutions: Eat more fruits and veggies
Now that you’ve had a full three months to settle into the year, it’s time to have a reality check with yourself: Are you still on the bandwagon? Hanging on by a pinky? Or are you waving, miles away, admitting defeat? It’s OK if you had a slip up, but now it’s time to re-center your attention on your diet.
A simple way to jump-start your springtime health goals is to increase your daily and weekly servings of non-starchy vegetables and fresh fruits, shares Feller. These types of fruits and vegetables provide fibre, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, and when you consume five servings, you’re doing a solid for your digestive system. Start with these fruits and veggies that will help prevent high cholesterol.