In addition to you feeling and looking better, healthy eating is good for your overall health and well-being. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind daily. At the end of January, take a moment to review your improvement and choose one you feel requires more attention to master in the next month.
- Add more vegetables to your dishes. Incorporating various types of colorful fruits and vegetables to your plate adds lots of healthy vitamins and minerals to your dishes. Vegetables are also one of the best sources of fiber — a nutrient that can help keep your body healthy by supporting gut health and keeping you fuller for longer. Adding vegetables to your dishes doesn’t have to mean living off salad every day. Adding in some broccoli to your stir-fry or tossing a handful of spinach in your homemade soup can give your dishes a nutritious boost in an easy way.
- Focus on strengthening your immune system. Keeping your immunity high is one the best things you can do to stay healthy this year. That means nourishing your body with the vital nutrients it needs. While many Americans are well-fed, many are still undernourished due to a large part of diets being heavily processed, nutrient-poor foods. Fortunately, you can get the vitamins and nutrients your immune system needs to stay healthy — including vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, selenium, iron and protein — from common foods. By incorporating more minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods into your daily diet, you can support your body as it fights off germs and viruses this year.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking more water is one of the best practices to develop if you want to get healthier. It can help you lose weight, clear your skin, and improve your mood and cognition. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses a day. Drink a glass first thing upon waking up, then aim to have two more before each meal. You can also add some citrus fruit or cucumber slices to add some flavor.
- Cut out (or cut back on) alcohol.The beginning of the new year can be a beneficial time to evaluate your alcohol intake, since the stress and socializing of the holidays can often increase your intake. Think about partaking in a challenge like Dry January and see how you feel at the end of the month. Refraining from alcohol, even just for a month, can benefit you physically, mentally, and even financially.
- Snack smarter. Snacking can be a simple and effective way to promote weight loss and muscle gain. Keep in mind that not all snacks are created equal. Unlike processed options, a whole foods based snack helps to regulate blood sugar, keep your metabolism elevated, and elevates your mood throughout the day. Try to include snacks that are lower calorie and have protein, fiber and healthy fats. Avoid snacks with processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars. Some examples include a handful of walnuts with half an apple, half a cup of low-fat yogurt topped with berries, one cup of sliced vegetables with hummus or guacamole, or one slice of toasted ezekiel bread topped with peanut butter and banana.
