9 Tips to Kickstart a Healthy New Year

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Aubrie Thomas, owner Tehama Family Fitness

At the beginning of a new year, all seems possible.  We are all highly motivated to make positive changes in our life that will make us healthier individuals in many ways.  Starting is always easy – the challenging part is keeping the motivation to make these changes a habit in our everyday lives.  We are all busy, but in the end, is being busy a valid excuse for sacrificing our health?

So here are the 9 things we both can do this week to get this year started off on a positive note and pave the way for a healthy year in 2019.

 

1. TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT YOUR SCHEDULE AND CALENDAR

 

When setting healthy living goals it is important that you schedule the time that is necessary to make these goals a reality. Exercising takes time, eating well takes time, and weight loss takes time. Figure out now how you are going to prioritize these healthy habits and determine what activities you need to drop or change in order to make time for your goals.

 

2. CLEAN OUT YOUR FRIDGE, FREEZER AND CUPBOARDS

 

Time to say “Bye Bye” to all the holiday treats and unhealthy options lingering throughout your home and/or office.  Also, get rid of the foods you really don’t want to eat- snacks, soda, etc.  If it’s not around, you are much less likely to eat it.

While you are in the midst of getting rid of all of the unwanted food, it is also a good idea to organize the food you are keeping.  Put the items you use frequently in a visible area, also group like items together or put items that will make a meal together in one area.  The more organized you are, the more success you will have!

 

3. MEAL PLAN!

 

Although meal planning for the week seems like such a daunting task, it is key to staying on track with your healthy eating habits.  Look at your, or your family’s, calendar for the week, think about the food that you have and the food that you need to purchase and make a meal plan for the week. As a general rule of thumb, stick to the outside perimeter of the grocery store. There you will find your fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grain foods. The internet is a great tool for helping you meal plan, as well.  Pinterest has an abundance of meal plan posts that are already done for you.  You just need to show some initiative in the implementation of those ideas.  Take the time and find the healthy meal options that work for you and your family.

 

4. SET ATTAINABLE GOALS

 

Goals! Goals! Goals! We all have them, and they are usually big and quite honestly unattainable. Make your goals realistic, and chip away at them.  Once you have reached one, then set another that might be a little more challenging.  If you fail right away, you will be discouraged to continue on your healthy lifestyle journey.  Aim small and see all of your goals come to fruition in the end!

 

5. FIND THE THINGS THAT HELP YOU EXERCISE, AND PUT THEM IN A VISIBLE PLACE

 

Put your sneakers, fitness clothes, gym membership card, iPOD, exercise DVDs, or whatever else it might be, in a spot or places that will remind you, or make it easy for you, to succeed. If they are visible, it will often remind you to move, and make it as easy as possible, to reach your 2016 exercise goals.

 

6. BUY NEW FITNESS SUPPLIES

 

Nothing motivates me more than a new pair of running shoes, or a cute pair of workout leggings. If you feel good and look good, chances are it will motivate you to wear them and get moving. It is also a good idea to treat yourself to new fitness supplies as you hit goals. Whether it be a new water bottle or maybe a new playlist, make sure to reward yourself- after all you really do deserve it!

 

7. USE APPS

 

There are so many useful apps out there that can be beneficial to your success. Whether you are a fitbit user or have a specific app that keeps you on track, use them and let them be an aid to your success. Here is a link of some top apps that might be beneficial to you.

 

8. GET SOME REST AND SLEEP

 

Don’t start the year tired and run down. Slow down and allow yourself 7-8 hours of sleep each night the rest of this week and weekend. Don’t try to cram in 1,000 activities, take a break and let all the positive changes you are making in your life settle in.  Work on making schedule changes throughout the year that will allow you to sleep at least 7 hours a night. Trust me, we all need it!

 

9. 21 DAYS!

 

It takes 21 days- 21 days of healthy eating and working out and it will become a habit. This is proven, give yourself these 21 days and your dreams will become a reality!

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