1. Eat More Whole Foods: One of the easiest changes you can make that can be the most sustainable long term is to include more Whole Foods Whole foods, like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish, contain many nutrients that your body needs to function at an optimal level. Research shows that following a whole-foods-based diet can significantly reduce heart disease risk factors, body weight, and blood sugar levels, as well as decrease your risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
  2. Sit Less- Move More: In today’s day in age- especially where we are working from home, it can be hard and we are finding that we are sitting in our desks for longer periods of time. Including sitting less can be an easy New Years resolution that won’t take all too much effort, and will have long term positive affects. For example, if you have a desk job that requires long periods of sitting, make a resolution to go for a 15-minute walk at lunch or to get up and walk for 5 minutes every hour.
  3. Cut Back on Sweetened Drinks: When you’re a Starbucks fanatic- this one can be hard. However, cutting back on sugary beverages is super beneficial as they are linked to obesity, heart disease, insulin resistance and even dental cavities. Though quitting sweetened beverages cold turkey is always an option, gradually minimizing your intake may help you kick your sugary drink habit for good.
  4. Get more Quality Sleep: Sleep is essential for optimal health. Most of us aren’t getting enough. Lack of sleep can be the cause of weight gain, heart disease, and depression. There are many reasons why people don’t get enough sleep, so it’s important to focus on your schedule and lifestyle to determine the best ways to improve sleep quantity and quality.Decreasing screen time before bed, reducing light pollution in your bedroom, cutting back on caffeine, and getting to bed at a reasonable hour are some simple ways to improve sleep hygiene
  5. 5. Make more “Me Time”& Practice Self Care: It can be hard to prioritize yourself, but it is essential for health and wellbeing. For people with busy schedules and limited time, it will take planning but it is definitely something that should be prioritized. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but just time for yourself.
  6. Cook more Meals at Home: People that cook meals at home tend to have a more nutritiously dense diets. Start by making one meal a day, then increase the frequency over time until you’re making the majority of your meals and snacks at home.
  7. Limit Screen Time: Many people depend on their phones and computers for work and entertainment. However, spending too much time on electronic devices especially social media has been linked to depression, anxiety, and loneliness. You can set schedules within your phone to cut back on the time you spend scrolling aimlessly, watching tv, or playing video games.
  8. Rely less on Convenience Foods: Many people rely on convenience foods, such as packaged chips, cookies, frozen dinners, and fast food, for a quick meal or snack. Though these items may be tasty and readily available, they can have extremely negative effects on your health if eaten too often. To cut back on your consumption of convenience foods, make a resolution to prepare more meals and snacks at home using healthy whole ingredients.
  9. Cut Back on Alcohol: Alcohol can be incorporated into a healthy, balanced diet however indulging too frequently can be stopping us from reaching our goals. If you think cutting back on alcohol may be helpful for you, set a reasonable goal to keep yourself on track, such as limiting drinking to weekend nights only or setting a drink limit for the week.
  10. Stop Negative Body Talk: Hey. We’re all guilty of this one from time to time. Talking negatively about your body can lead to feelings of body shame. Choose to use positive self talk as one of your New Years resolutions. This can do a number for your self esteem and also help others around you see themselves in a different light as well.

Though most New Year’s resolutions are only kept for a short period, the healthy resolutions listed above are sustainable ways to improve your physical and emotional health that can be followed for life. Creating a healthier relationship with food and taking better care of your body and mind can drastically improve your health in various ways.

This New Year, try out a few of the resolutions in this article to help make this year, and the years that follow, he healthiest and happiest possible. Let’s Burn!