LIFESTYLE

By Jason Gordon

How to Get Healthy

in the New Year

Photo courtesy of Centro Fashion

At the end of every year, statistics show that 41% of Americans start setting their resolutions for January 1st. These goals typically involve losing weight or self-improvement of some sort. Unfortunately, these resolutions are rarely accomplished or maintained. Studies show that only of 9% New Year's resolutions are actually achieved.

If you are one of the millions of Americans that made a resolution, consider following the tips below in order to successfully reach your goal of getting healthier in the new year.

1. Reward Your Successes

One of the best ways to stay on track to reaching your goals is rewarding your accomplishments, whether big or small. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, set a specific amount that earns you a reward. Then, decide on a reward such as a night out at the movies, a new book, or shopping for an item you would not normally buy yourself.

2. Prioritize Sleep

Be sure to get at the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Adequate sleep enhances your willpower when facing cravings, increases mental clarity, and boosts mood.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

3. Write Down Your Goals

It is proven that writing down your goals increased the odds of achieving them. Also, be specific with your goals.

4. Talk About Your Goals

Choose a few friends or family members to share your goals with. Verbalizing your goals increases your chance of achieving them. Friends and family can offer accountability and support.

5. Begin the Day with a Healthy Breakfast

Starting with a healthy, nutrient dense breakfast sets the tone for the entire day. A healthy meal at the beginning of the day also leads to reduced cravings at other meals. If you follow some of the most popular Instagram fitness models, they not only post content of their workouts, but also of their healthy meals. Eating healthy is more than half the battle, with breakfast being the most important meal. A well-balanced breakfast features healthy fats, healthy carbs, fruits, and vegetables. Examples of nutritional breakfasts include:

• One piece of fruit and a two egg omelette with vegetables 
• Smoothie bowls (these are thicker smoothies topped with berries, coconut, chia seeds, etc. and eaten with a spoon 
• A bowl of oatmeal or high fiber, minimally processed cereal with milk and berries 

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

6. Drink Water

Staying hydrated leads to more energy, decreased bloating, and a boost in mental sharpness. Drinking enough water also helps fight cravings since thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Regardless of your health goal, water will assist you in obtaining it.

7. Wash Your Hands Frequently

Getting sick will obviously hinder any progress you were making toward your goals. By making a point to wash your hands often, your chance of getting sick will be greatly reduced.

8. Use a Pedometer

A pedometer, a device that tracks the number of steps you take per day, is an effective tool for encouraging activity. Studies show that using a pedometer leads to weight loss, a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in the number of steps walked each day.

Overall, by utilizing one or more of these simple strategies, accomplishing your goals for the new year will become far easier.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jason Gordon is a 24 year old recent graduate currently living in NYC and working in the service industry during the day. At night, he spends as many hours as possible writing to earn as much experience as he can. He has a Catahoula hog dog named Hobbes that occupies most of his time when he is not writing and he is very into the tech scene here in NYC. Jason is an avid traveler and has been to every continent except Antarctica and South America.

Read more: How to Stay Fit During the Winter Months

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