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Whenever January rolls around millions of people see it as a chance to start anew. Whether it’s starting a new hobby, joining a gym or resetting your lifestyle, New Year’s resolutions are a fun way to hold yourself accountable to changes and take life into your own hands. But actually sticking to a New Year’s resolution is often harder than it sounds.
Once the initial thrill of January is gone, following through on your promises for another 11 months can seem like a pretty daunting task, and more often than not, people start to slack off or give up on their resolutions entirely. But the secret to sticking with a resolution is actually quite simple – start small.
Instead of committing to a rigorous daily workout, try to take a walk once a week. Or rather than purging your kitchen to take on some fad diet, opt for smaller changes that will be easy to follow through on. It’s all about making your resolution work for you.
Video Credits: Mayo Clinic/YouTube
If you’re looking for some manageable resolutions that will help you eat better this year, here are some options you could try.
1. Balanced Plate Approach:
Instead of jumping on a diet, try to incorporate healthy eating in a more achievable form. Aim to create well-balanced meals with a mix of lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of colourful vegetables. One such approach is the Half-Plate rule where you allocate fifty per cent of your plate for vegetables, fruits, or salad, and the remaining half should have a sensible distribution of other food items namely protein and carbohydrates. This ensures a diverse range of nutrients without feeling restrictive.
2. Do A Mid Meal Check-In:
Thanks to the frantic pace at which we live, meals have often become a speedy necessity rather than a process to be enjoyed and in turn that has led to people overeating or snacking without limits. Develop the habit of eating slowly and savouring each bite and try to pause midway through your meal to assess how you’re feeling. This can help you recognise fullness cues and prevent overeating. Turn off distractions like TV or phones during meals for an even more mindful experience.
3. Hydrate In Smaller Does:
We are a generation of chronically dehydrated humans and staying hydrated is a commitment that’s hard to keep to but water is crucial for digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being. You could try setting an hourly reminder on your phone to have a few sips of water, or you could even supplement that with juices and green tea which can help you meet those goals and make sure you drink enough water throughout the day.
4. Upgrade Your Snacking:
Instead of reaching for processed snacks, opt for healthier alternatives like fresh fruit, nuts, or yoghurt. You can even apply this method for more healthy desserts such as chocolate-covered almonds, chocolate-dipped frozen banana bites, or a mix of chocolate chips with popcorn, nuts, or both. This not only helps in cutting down on added sugar, which is associated with health issues like high blood pressure and high cholesterol but also provides heart-healthy fibre and helps control calorie intake and while providing essential nutrients.
5. Limit Your Eating Out:
With the convenience of food delivery, it’s so easy to slip into unhealthy eating habits. Cooking at home not only forces us to eat fresh food but also makes it easier to regulate what goes into our meals. By limiting the days you order food to once or twice a week, you can ensure that you’re eating more mindfully, and it will also make you more aware of what’s on your plate. Plus, it can make that weekly treat seem even more delicious!
6. Prioritise Proteins:
As one of the fundamental building blocks of our body, eating the recommended daily amount of protein is essential for overall well-being. By designating one meal a day to be the main source of protein, it can help you achieve that goal. Include a variety of protein sources in your diet, such as fish, poultry, beans, and tofu. This ensures you get a broad spectrum of amino acids and essential nutrients.
With these small changes, you can get on track to achieving your health goals for 2024 and follow through on your resolutions until it’s time to pick the next one.
