Every year, people make New Year's resolutions about eating healthy and don't seem to stick with it past January. Getting healthy is not something to keep putting off year after year. This year, try sticking to your resolution and see what happens. For those of you who are struggling, here are 16 tips that will help your resolution finally come true.
1. Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water is essential when you're trying to get healthier. Not only is it the perfect replacement for soda and other high-calorie drinks, but it is also a great appetite suppressant and energy booster. Water helps cleanse your body and makes all the difference in your every day life. Here are seven easy ways to drink more water this year.
2. Don't Ever Skip Breakfast
I know you've all heard this before, but breakfast is seriously the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast gets your metabolism working right away, provides you with energy, and reduces your chance of over eating later in the day. If you start your day off healthy, you're more likely to end it that way too! Not having time to make breakfast is no longer an excuse with these breakfasts that take five minutes to make.
3. Eat Often
It's a common misconception that in order to diet, you have to eat less food. This method of dieting is unhealthy and cannot be maintained. Believe it or not, you need to eat to lose fat. Most trainers and nutritionists will tell you that you're actually supposed to eat six to eight small, healthy meals throughout the day. You shouldn't feel hungry. You should feel full and healthy!
4. Remember That One Unhealthy Meal is Okay and Normal
We all crave unhealthy foods, and every once in a while, we are bound to give into those cravings. But just because you have one unhealthy meal doesn't mean the whole day is shot, and it doesn't mean that you're failing at your diet. You should try to eat healthy meals throughout the rest of the day and squeeze in a workout. One unhealthy meal isn't the end of the world. You just have to recover and keep going!
5. Don't Stress
As crazy as it sounds, stressing out about getting healthy can make it harder for you to be healthy. This change isn't going to happen over night. It takes time, so just be patient and don't stress.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial when you're trying to be healthy. Lack of sleep is proven to result in stress and increased appetite—two things nobody wants. You need sleep to change your body, so be sure to get at least seven hours of sleep every night.
7. Set Goals and Make Plans
Set goals for yourself every week and make plans to ensure those goals are accomplished. Here's an example: My goal is to cook dinner three times this week, so I will look up recipes, add the ingredients to my grocery list, and schedule in time to get to the store. See? Simple, but effective.
8. Exercise Regularly
Being active has a long list of health benefits, one of them being that it increases your desire for healthy foods. So you—yes you— should get off your phone or computer and get moving!
9. Eat Healthy Fats
People see the word "fat" and tend to run in the other direction. Healthy fats, however, are incredibly important to incorporate into your diet. These healthy fats have tons of health benefits, such as aiding in fat loss and improving your metabolism. Incorporating these fats into your diet may be exactly what you need to help you reach your goal.
10. Don't Think of it as "Dieting"
The word "diet" has such a negative connotation. It implies that your eating habits are just temporary and that you'll most likely fail. So don't think of it as "dieting." Think of this it as choosing to be healthy. Having this positive mindset can make a huge difference.
11. Cook at Home
When it comes to eating healthy, you should have total control over what goes into your body. The only way to do this is by cooking at home. I'm not saying every single meal needs to be intricate and special, but buying food at the grocery store is always better than eating out. By cooking at home, you can control what ingredients are used and practice portion control. Here are 17 healthy recipes for you to try this year.
12. Eat Fruit When You Crave Sugar
Sugar and sweets are the hardest craving for me to defeat, but I've found that eating a piece of fruit instead of chocolate can satisfy my needs.
13. Always Eat Your Veggies
You've been told this since you were a kid—always eat your veggies! They are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and fill you up. You should try to eat veggies with every single meal. Not a veggie fan? That's okay, there are still ways to sneak them into your diet.
14. Do it with a Buddy
Getting healthy with a buddy makes the process much easier. Having someone to hold you accountable, cheer you on, and push you to keep going is key.
15. Don't Give Up Your Favorite Foods
Don't you dare give up on your favorite foods. Just look for healthy alternatives for the foods you love. If you deprive yourself for too long, you'll end up binge eating!
16. Believe in Yourself
This is the most important tip. You are stronger and more capable than you think. Don't give up, and keep going!
Changing your eating habits is not an easy thing, but hopefully these tips will encourage you that it is more than possible. Stick with it and show your friends and family that New Year's resolutions can come true!