“Your body is a temple, but only if you treat it as one.” ~Astrid Alauda
We have all been right in this place before … the eve of the New Year. Our minds begin calculating all the things we want to achieve in the coming year: weight loss, new job, more money, meeting a soul mate… the list is endless. As we shared before, we are sticking with intentions versus affirmations or resolutions this year and focusing on the small changes that have a big impact.
When it comes to healthy eating, leave the weight loss goals out of it. Focus on health rather than weight and you may be surprised by the positive results. It may also reveal an optimum health level that you have not experienced before. Take time to plan the unfolding of each new goal and take it slow. The practices that become habits are the ones that stick around through the whole year.
Some New Year Tips for Healthy Eating that you can use past the point of resolutions:
Increase your intake of water. Staying hydrated is important for your whole body and contributes greatly to heart health.
Keep track of what you eat. Are you eating too much? Not enough? At the wrong time of day? Using a food tracker app can help give you a baseline of what your daily intake is and habits! 10 Best Apps for Food Journaling
Eat the best foods for you. From the list of the world’s healthiest foods, which ones are on your table daily/weekly?
Eat seasonally. Seasonal foods are those that are harvested at their prime, which means plenty of healthful vitamins and minerals. Eat with the seasons to keep your body full of everything that keeps it going.
Get on the whole grain train. Fiber in whole grains is not only good for you but also fills you up and keeps hunger pangs away (which can lead to overeating or grabbing fast food). Experiment with some whole grains like: amaranth, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, millet, quinoa, spelt, whole oats, whole rye, whole grain wheat and wild rice.
Focus on anti-inflammatory foods such as those listed on Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid, which also includes serving recommendations.
The journey to optimal health and wellness begins one step at a time. Success comes with small changes implemented over a longer period of time. Once you have achieved one goal, move on to the next one and make them habits. Cheers to a happy and healthy 2016!
Karen PfefferKaren is passionate about sharing powerful programs on communication, empowerment, team building and transformation. With a father from Kansas and a mother from Puerto Rico, Karen has a unique cultural mix that has inspired her to challenge stereotypes and “push the envelope” at every opportunity. She co-founded Fire Power Seminars with Connie Phelan in 2006 to empower individuals, organizations, and companies to achieve more than they ever thought possible.