The New Year is more than just a new calendar. It symbolizes a fresh start, growth, a clean slate, and new goals. The resolutions have been written, posted, recited and memorized. While they are still going strong, we wanted to share our favorite tips for being and staying healthy throughout the year. After all, New Years may have the rights to resolutions, but each day is a new chance for a fresh start.
The following are five great tips we found from Jefferson University Hospitals. If you’re looking to jumpstart your healthy lifestyle, try these out in the beginning. They’re simple and all about boosting your health, not just lowering numbers. Your body is a precious machine, keep it well.
1. Change your lifestyle: Don’t start off with the mindset of dieting. Avoid fad diets, like Atkins, Scarsdale, liquid diet or starvation. If you need help losing weight, use a reputable program like Weight Watchers or visit a dietitian. Some insurance companies cover six visits with a dietitian. This way you can be of the mindset that you’re embarking on a whole lifestyle change.
2. Go easy: Use a smaller plate and don’t take second helpings. By eating 500 calories less per day, you can lose about one pound of weight loss per week.
3. Eat breakfast: Studies show that if you eat breakfast, you eat less calories later in the day. Try eating high fiber cereal with skim milk; a nonfat yogurt you like; or lighter versions of the brands you like, such as Jimmy Dean Delights or Dunkin Donuts light flat bread sandwiches.
4. Don’t drink your calories: Avoid soda, juice or sweetened coffee drinks. Choose diet sodas, light juices or if you have to have them, the skinny versions of your favorite flavored coffees. Drink six to eight glasses of water a day: or you can also use sugar free beverages, like zero vitamin water; G2, Crystal Light, diet caffeine free sodas or flavored seltzer water.
5. Eat two pieces a fruit and veggies per day: One large banana is equal to two fruits; or add lettuce and tomato to your sandwich.
Once you’ve fed your body properly, let’s keep it healthy all year around by practicing habits that keep you energized, less stressed, and with a healthy mind. It takes more than a healthy diet to be a healthy person, and these tips we found are sure to keep you strong!
1. Add fitness to your everyday life. Working out shouldn’t be a special occasion. It should be more like brushing your teeth. So keep moving throughout the day whenever you can, from choosing the stairs to watching TV on a fitness ball.
2. Enlist a partner. It’s always easier to keep a resolution when you have a partner. So get a friend, colleague or family member who wants in, and keep each other accountable on your journey.
3. Sleep. Getting plenty of rest will help you stay healthy.
4. Wash your hands. Wash them regularly. In addition to washing when in the bathroom, wash your hands after being outside and before eating and drinking to prevent the spread of germs.
5. Wash your hands some more. If you are in a public place such as a store or school, wash your hands after leaving. Public places are filled with things that others touch and can spread germs.
Do you have tips to staying healthy this winter, spring, summer and fall? Share them on our Facebook page and let’s be healthy together in 2013!
