Getting Healthy in the New Year- Practice These 5 Tips
Are you thinking of getting healthy in the New Year? Practice these 5 tips.
New Year, New Thoughts….time to take stock, think back on last year, and make plans for the coming year.
For many of us, that means focusing on getting healthy or losing weight, in the New Year. Is that one of your goals? It is for me too.
Practice these 5 tips for getting healthy in the new year and all year long.
My mother died a few months ago and was very frail at the end of her life and needed a lot of assistance. My siblings and I spent a great deal of time in the last year caring for her.
We all loved Mum dearly and were more than happy to care for her, but her care was difficult.
After my last trip to see her, I made a vow to myself to take better care of myself, mainly so that I would not be a burden to my loved ones as I aged.
I thought it would be helpful to me, and perhaps to my readers, to put together a list of some tips for getting healthy this year.
For me, it’s not just about diet, although I would like to lose some weight. It is about my general overall health.
So my question really is this – what can I do to make it easier to live and maintain a more healthy life? For me it is all about what I practice, friends.
1. Practice moderation
I want to walk a little more, eat a little less, be moderate in all things, and spend a bit more time playing instead of working my life away. Four little things that make such a bit difference in the whole scheme of things!
Also, I try to spend more time outdoors, instead of inside in front of electronics. This will help me get much more balance in my life.
2. Practice Portion Control
Trying to lose a few pounds does not mean that you cannot have your favorite treats. Just practice portion control.
To do this, either purchase individual-sized bags of your favorite snacks, or buy larger bags and package them in portion-controlled sizes yourself.
I regularly buy almonds and portion them into small baggies. Since I ADORE almonds, it makes sure that I don’t overindulge~
Fresh fruit is already portion-controlled! There is very little of it that is more than about 100 calories.
3. Practice healthy snacking
For me, getting healthy means that I’ve tried to cut my intake of sugar way down, and have substituted more healthy snacks in its place.
Fruits, nuts, dark chocolate, and homemade energy bars and snacks now give me the extra bit of snacking that I crave and all contain fiber that keeps me full.
Some of my personal favorites are dark chocolate almonds and chocolate raisin nut trail mix.
4. Practice preparation
When it is time to head to the gym are you ready to go, or do you have to scramble to find the things you need for your exercise?
If you have a gym bag already prepared, with your fitness clothes, a sports bra, sneakers, some toiletries, and your favorite after-work-out snack.
This will ensure that you won’t have an excuse not to exercise today because you unprepared.
5. Practice Healthy Swaps
For me, a big part of getting healthy and fit is not cutting things out, but swapping unhealthy food choices for more healthy ones.
There are so many ways to do this. One of my most tasty ones is to use an avocado instead of mayonnaise on a sandwich. Doing this swap means that you add healthy fats, and cut out unhealthy ones.
You save a few calories and add a ton of flavor to your sandwich. For more ideas like this one, see my healthy kitchen swaps post.
How about you? What is your family doing differently in 2016 to find ways to get healthy? I’d love to hear about your ideas in the comment section below. I will include some of my favorites as reader tips in this article too!
Here are some of my reader’s tips for getting healthy:
Jess says: One thing I always try to do to keep myself on track is writing down what I eat. I find if I make myself write everything down, I’m less likely to cheat and eat lots of bad stuff. I also try to stock my fridge with only healthy things to start.
Cathy suggests that we should “drink more water and eat more fresh veggies and fresh fruit and walk more every day”
Lori says “Get plenty of sleep!” This really is a very good tip! Thanks for sharing it, Lori!
Julie says that her favorite tip is to “drink plenty of water!”
Natalie says that her favorite tip is to work out first thing in the morning. That way you will always get a workout in and you won’t be tempted to skip it at the end of the day.
Cindy says “Keep moving, be active. Do something every day. Don’t miss a day even a little is better than none.”
Julie W says I make sure to exercise 5 days a week, and I have added weight training to help me be stronger.
I’m also trying to work on my health and fitness for this year! One thing I always try to do to keep myself on track is writing down what I eat. I find if I make myself write everything down, I’m less likely to cheat and eat lots of bad stuff. I also try to stock my fridge with only healthy things to start (later on I can trust myself with moderation, but in the beginning I like to avoid the temptation!). Good luck with your healthy pledge this year, and thanks for the great giveaway!
Great tips I’ll include them in my post!
To drink more water and eat more fresh veggies and fresh fruit
and to walk more everyday with my dog Bailey (it is good for both of us)
Great ideas Cathy!
Get plenty of sleep! That’s my tip! I goofed up on the Name and Address line so if I win please email me for the info. Thanks!
So important Lori!
We have a stock of alternative healthy snacks like granola and nuts. Great contest to win too
thanks for sharing!
drink more water
The Healthy Swaps tip is a great one, and has probably been the most important part of our successes so far this year. We’ve really worked at substituting good things for any junk we’re prone to eating!
My favorite tip is to drink plenty of water! It makes such a difference.
It really does help!
My favorite tip is to work out first thing in the morning. That way you will always get a workout in and you won’t be tempted to skip it at the end of the day.
I agree Natalie!
Eat breakfast EVERY day and make sure to drink plenty of water!
Eat plenty of healthy fats (lard, yes, lard – but homemade lard, not the preserved ones they sell in stores) and coconut oil (I’ve actually lost a LOT of weight doing this and have kept it off for over two years)- and get some exercise – like walking every day!!
thanks!
Keep moving, be active. Do something everyday. Don’t miss a day even a little is better than none.
every little bit helps!
My hands down favorite tip is go Paleo! I’m on autoimmune paleo, so it’s a little more extreme, but it’s completely given me my life back after years of debilitating pain and fatigue!
I am moving more by adding minutes to my daily walk. I try to eat healthy and do fairly well with it.
My favorite tips:
1. cut out all gluten and diary
2. no fast food!
3. lots of water
I make sure to exercise 5 days a week, and I have added weight training to help me be stronger. And of course eating plenty of healthy fruits and veges is so important!
weight training is a good tip.
I try to get enough protein & I only drink 0 calorie beverages
Great tips! I agree about drinking lots of water– SO important!
Our plan for a healthier year is to stick to whole foods.
I like the tip to practice healthy snacking. I only buy healthy snacks like fruit or popcorn so there is less temptation.
to dink enough water during the day
My favorite tip is Get plenty of sleep.
Getting outside and walking every day.
My favorite tip is to stop midnight snacks – hard habit to break!
Maintain a happy attitude! And take a walk. And get enough sleep. And drink plenty of water.
My favorite tip for getting healthy in 2016 is to only bring home healthy snacks
My favorite tip for getting healthy is eating less processed foods.
thank you
Eat lots of vegetables to fill yourself up!
Going to the gym a few days a week
When you are happy, you are healthier, so remember happiness is a state of mind.
My advise would be to eat junk, not fruit! Alo when going to the store park way in the back to get those extra steps in!
Exercise more ,eat healthy and drink more water. thanks for the chance to win this awesome giveaway! I hope I win! connie danielson
TO drink water, eat more raw fruits and veggies!
My favorite tip for getting healthy in 2016 is to eat more plant-based food.
Stay hydrated!!
Drink plenty of water every day.
I make sure to drink plenty of water and eat healthier.
Eating more organic veggies or food in general, avoid GMOs, drink lots of water and reduce stress with fun activities.
My tip is to fill up on water and not sugary foods!
My favorite tip for getting healthy is to drink more water! I personally have been cutting back on sodas and drinking water with my meals.
My tip is to bike to work instead of driving if you live close enough!
I’m working on getting more sleep – important for health and weight loss.
Drink more water and do not drink soda.
do a lot of walking and get some strength training in
To drink plenty of water and cut out as much sugar as possible!
My tip is to exercise regularly and have plenty of healthy food around so you don’t go for the not so healthy stuff!
To drink more water
My favorite tip for getting healthy in 2016 is Walk a Little More. Thanks for the giveaway!
Making sure to get enough liquids.
My healthy tip is to drinks lots of water and fruit juices.
My favorite tip is to get plenty of sleep.
Find a friend to exercise with.
I drink lots of water and eat a lot of fruit and veggies.
Add more fresh veggies to your diet.
Lemon water in the morning does wonders!
My goal is to eat less processed food and more fresh fruit and veges.
My favorite tip for getting healthy in 2016 is EVERYTHING IN MODERATION.
That has been my new years resolution for many years. It does work.
My tip is to get in more steps! I love tracking my fitness. Seeing it in black and white motivates me.
My tip is that it is a good idea to keep track of what you are eating. It can be a very helpful practice!
Thanks for the chance to win!
My tip, would be try to walk more. and drink more water. those are two areas that I’m not great at!
My favorite tip is to drink more water and to grow my veggies in my container garden since I can not plant in the ground. I know my veggies are better than what I buy at the store.
My tip is make better snack choices, and as always, drink plenty of water! Thanks so much for the opportunity!
We loved the taste of them. The ground turkey really takes on those Mexican flavors well.
My favorite tip is to get plenty of sleep.
I have been walking everyday with my husband.
stay active and avoid red meat
Drink plenty of water for sure, it really does help! Esp. when making you feel fuller if you drink before a meal.
Find exercise you love to do and do it frequently. I love swimming and swim 3 times a week.
Thanks for the contest.
I like to eat lots of fruits and vegetables (I’m vegan), drink lots of water and do yoga to try and stay healthy and fit.
My goal is to focus on getting enough protein and fiber in my food. This way I actually feel satisfied after eating.
DON’T BRING ANY JUNK FOOD INTO THE HOUSE
Drinking plenty of water.
My tip is to drink a lot of water and eat fruit at every meal! It will fill you up!
Drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest as you can !
Move more! Walk! Take the stairs, park farther away! It really does work!
My tip is to drink a glass of water whenever you feel hungry. It may turn out you were actually thirsty and not hungry after all.
Exercise weekly!!
Drink water and mucho excercise and good food!
Drink more water – carry a cup/bottle and when it’s empty fill it back up!
My tip for 2016 is to drink more water daily!!~
To drink more water, to eat more slowly and to get out and move. Walking and gardening are too great forms of exercise.
My best tip is to stay hydrated.
Chose to drink a lot more water! Thanks so much for the chances to win.
Two tips that have helped me – first, get plenty of sleep. And second, eat on a regular schedule. Don’t wait until you are feeling hungry because you tend to eat quickly (and too much) before giving your stomach time to recognize that it is being fed.
I’d say getting rid of junk food in the house! Also drinking plenty of water!
work out every day. no matter what.. just do it..
My favorite tip for getting healthy in 2016 is getting more sleep, exercise, and healthy meals!
Always make sure you’ve got some healthy choices available to you – at work, at home, while traveling – so you’re not stuck making the best of a bad situation and having to settle for less then ideal food/snacks.
Eating more fruits and veggies and drinking lots of water.
I find that if I workout doing things I love like a hip hop zumba class take, I feel better mentally and physically. I also do yoga and kickboxing but don’t enjoy it as much but still feel stronger.
Drink water, water and MORE water 🙂 Hydration is key!
Don’t bring junk food in the house, you can’t be tempted if it ain’t there!
I would say take the stairs.
my favorite tip is “Get plenty of sleep!”