Let’s all be honest, very rarely do we set ourselves a new year’s resolution that we actually stick to. This is largely due us falling into the trap of setting ourselves unrealistic or unachievable goals, especially when it comes to improving our health and well-being.
Be Fit Food shares their top 5 (achievable!) health goals to set yourself with easy ways you can change up small parts of your day to day and improve your health.
1. Swap it
Simple swaps with your food choices can help you feel more energetic and get all the vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy body.
Some easy and simple swaps can be:
• adding herbs or spices to your meal rather than salt
• swap deep fried food for grilled, sautéed or poached options
• choose water or soda/mineral water rather than sugary drinks or alcohol
• trade processed meat like sausages, hamburgers or bacon for chicken breast, steak or fish
• make a fruit platter for dessert
2. Add variety and colour
Add as much colour as you can to your dinner plate from veggies. Try to buy a vegetable you aren’t familiar with each week and explore the different ways you can cook it. Variety ensures you get an array of different vitamins and minerals into your diet.
3. Morning routine
Allow 10 minutes at the start of your day to make time for a healthy, wholefood breakfast. If you’re wanting to get active, set your alarm 40 minutes earlier and to make time for a 30-minute walk around the block. Walking can have hugely positive impact on both our weight and mental health.
4. Practice mindful eating
Practice a balanced, respectful and healthy relationship with food. Become aware of your hunger cues to learn when you are hungry and what you are hungry for. This can stop habitual eating for the sake of it. After eating a meal, take the time to notice your feelings of fullness. Pause for a moment to contemplate what you’ve eaten and how it made you feel. Don’t simply eat more because you can… we all know food comas lead to fatigue and bloating!
5. Take the stairs
There can be some very easy ways to slowly incorporate more movement into your day to day:
• Choose the stairs rather than escalator
• Park further away when at the shops
• Take your runners to work and walk 10-20 minutes on your lunch break
• When you’re waiting for the kettle to boil or the microwave, squeeze in as many squats or lunges as you can.
It’s always a good idea to seek support with practitioners in the field who may support you in achieving personal health goals.
Be Fit Food provides the food, resources and dietitian support to help you lose up to 5kgs in two weeks. For more information head to www.befitfood.com.au.