When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many of us vow to make changes to our lifestyles, with the most popular resolution being to get healthier. To help you stick to your new health regime, we’ve put together some great tips.
Set realistic goals
It is not surprising that YouGov revealed the most popular New Year’s Resolutions focus on health and diet, after indulging in alcohol, cakes, chocolates and party food over the Christmas period. In fact, 47 per cent commit to boosting their fitness; 44 per cent aim to lose weight; and 41 per cent want to improve their diet before the year is out.
However, most of us fail to stick with our commitments, whether because they were too ambitious or too restrictive. That is why it is important to make them realistic, as well as challenging.
While it is great you’ve swapped chocolate for healthy snacks like fruit and nuts, it is worth bearing in mind you are more likely to remain committed to your healthy eating plan if you don’t restrict yourself entirely and maintain a balanced diet.
“Healthy eating should not be about short-term change but long-term measures that are put in place with the emphasis on enjoying more of the foods that protect and nourish the body,” a report published in The Nursing Times revealed.
It went on to say: “This is done by choosing a variety of foods from each of the different food groups each day and remembering that there are no healthy or unhealthy foods – just healthy or unhealthy diets.”
For instance, why not add some sweetness to your dishes with organic raw chocolate, which also provides numerous health benefits?
Meal prep
Another handy tip for success is to prepare meals in advance. This avoids you searching the cupboards or supermarket shelves for something to eat while already hungry.
Life can be hectic these days, which is why many people do not want to spend ages cooking when they get home and are then tempted to get a takeaway or eat processed food.
Go Health Urgent Care suggests: “On the weekend, spend a few hours cooking your meats and prepping the vegetables and other ingredients for the week ahead.”
Fill up on fruit and veg
It can be too easy to reach for a chocolate bar or packet of crisps when you are hungry. However, the trick is to have fruit and vegetable snacks at hand, so you’re not lured by sugary or salty treats.
Grapes or chopped apples are great to nibble on, while sliced carrots and celery can keep hunger cravings at bay.
You can also use vegetables as healthy substitutes in several meals. For instance, cauliflower rice makes a great accompaniment to a curry, while courgetti spaghetti has become a huge trend for those who can’t ditch their favourite pasta sauces.
Don’t abandon carbs
It is also worth remembering though that starchy carbohydrates, such as pasta, bread, rice and potatoes, are also important to have in your diet, and the NHS recommends eating at least one with each meal.
These carbs provide you with energy and keep you fuller for longer, meaning you aren’t as likely to snack on unhealthy foods between meals.
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