Start the year off right with these resolutions you’ll be able to stick with
By Katrina Caruso
It may be tempting to make big plans for the New Year, but if those plans include a healthier diet in 2021, it might help to follow a few simple and specific strategies.
First ask yourself if your goals are realistic. If they’re realistic, they’ll be reachable. For some of us, the notion of getting healthier can seem like a huge mountain to climb—and while hiking can be fun, wouldn’t you rather take a stroll in the park?
Here are some tips to help you make positive changes that won’t go out of style.
Drink more water, and less sugar
Why not make 2021 the year that you buy yourself a good water bottle and actually use it? If you love juice, consider switching to smoothies, which you can make in a few minutes and load up with nutrient-rich ingredients such as protein powder and chia seeds. If you’re a soda drinker, consider purchasing a soda machine, which carbonates water for you.
Clean house and avoid
Clear out snack foods and sweets in your kitchen cabinets. Bring anything you don’t keep to a shelter, food bank, or to the office. Moving forward, avoid buying any groceries that don’t fit with your goals; instead, stock your fridge with fruits and veggies. To avoid impulse buys, go grocery shopping only after eating a meal or buy your groceries online.
Curb cravings
If you’re craving something sweet or salty, it’s okay to indulge, but consider eating something a little lighter (dark chocolate, berries, some crackers with cheese) or having a few bites instead of the whole pie. That way, you’re giving yourself permission to enjoy the taste, but without overdoing it. Pro tip: replace ice cream by throwing a frozen banana or two into the blender.
Control portions
The bigger the portion, the easier it is to overeat. Looking at how much you are consuming can make all the difference. You may find the app MyFitnessPal helpful for counting calories and reviewing your consumption. Also, eating smaller meals throughout the day will help you to feel fuller longer. Buy and prepare snacks for the week ahead, so that you have something easy to grab.
Photo: iStock/Kondor83.
