Making & Sticking To Resolutions for Better Nutrition

With every new year comes resolutions to break bad habits and get a fresh start. Eating more sensibly is usually at the top of the list, especially after all that holiday splurging since Thanksgiving. Luckily, eating nutritious foods and living a healthier lifestyle don't require a miracle diet or a drastic action plan. All it takes is making a few simple positive choices each day. Here are a few easy steps to put you on the right track to a healthier 2019. 

Put A Rainbow On Your Plate

When you choose foods in various colors, you're almost guaranteed to get the right mix of fruits and vegetables to meet your nutritional needs. Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables are abundant in vitamins C and A. Green vegetables like kale and spinach are rich in vitamins K, B, and E. Purple selections like eggplant, cabbage, and grapes are high in vitamins C and K. And don't forget the browns—always leave room on your plate for some whole grains.

Eat Mindfully & You'll Enjoy Every Bite

Always be “present” when you're eating. Concentrate on enjoying the meal and also the people around you. When you eat while distracted (watching TV, for example), you tend to eat more and enjoy it less. Try to practice portion control; when you are savoring each bite of your food and stop when you are no longer hungry, you won't have to return for seconds. Here's a hint: always eat from a plate, not a bag. That bag is usually full of an unhealthy portion of snacks or a dose of high-fat, high-salt fast food.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water can sometimes quench your appetite for between-meal snacks. Also, eating fruit can help you fill up since it is high in fiber and has plenty of water. However, avoid sugary drinks like fruit juices and sodas. Regular sodas are loaded with high fructose syrup and empty calories.

Put Exercise On The Menu

It's incredible what daily physical activity can do to help nutritious meals keep your body and mind healthy. Moderate exercise doesn't just burn calories. It also improves cardiovascular health, helps reduce stress and inflammation, builds muscle mass, and aids in maintaining balance. Try to get 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day, at least five times weekly. Exercise can be as simple as a quiet stroll, climbing stairs, gardening, or just bending and stretching during TV commercials.

Get Plenty Of Sleep Each Night

What does sleep have to do with diet and nutrition? A lot, it turns out. Chronic lack of sleep causes increases in a hormone known to increase appetite, which can lead to overeating. Research has also shown that sleep-deprived subjects are more susceptible to junk food and other unhealthy choices.

Take It Easy On Yourself

Don't beat yourself up if you occasionally slip from your plan to make healthier choices. Remember, you're only human. Tomorrow offers you another chance to enjoy a delicious day filled with nutritious food, stimulating exercise, and the companionship of friends and family.

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