written by: Danielle Maina
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wow, can you believe it is already 2015?! What I love about the New Year is the feeling of a fresh start of where ever you are in life. It’s as if we get another chance to transform ourselves, whether it be personally, emotionally, spiritually, or physically. When I ask peers around me what their resolutions are, 80% of the time is “to exercise more” or “eat healthier”. We all hear these exact resolutions year after year after year, and many of us know that we sometimes lose track of these resolutions a couple months into the year. With that being said, I have provided 5 healthy eating goals to help you stick to your resolutions all year long and help you be your healthiest self yet!
- BE REALISTIC & ENJOY LIFE: Deprivation is the biggest no-no in my opinion. Depriving yourself from certain foods/drinks is setting your self up for failure right off the back and can lead into such a vicious cycle. Eat healthy majority of the week but make sure to treat yourself. Life is full of events, special occasions, and festivities. Be mindful of your eating and leave room for that one cocktail or slice of cake. Moderation is key!
- EAT A COLORFUL DIET & BE CREATIVE: At each meal, try to add color to your plate. More color = more beneficial nutrients being added into the diet. Experiment with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Be creative, branch out of your comfort zone. You may learn that you either love or hate some different fruits and vegetables!
- MAKE WATER YOUR BESTEST FRIEND YET: Yeah yeah I know, a lot of you may think water is just TOO boring, but you will thank yourself later if you start making water a staple in your diet now. Water is SO crucial, especially during physical activity where a lot of water is lost. Be more conscious of your water intake by buying yourself a large water bottle and carrying it with you wherever you go. Drink a glass of water before each meal (could prevent you from eating more). And if you’re just bored with water all together, try adding berries, lemon, or cucumber to your water. Trust me-it helps!
- PROTEIN (need I say more?): Protein is part of every cell, organ, and tissue in our body! Our bodies’ protein is constantly being broken down and replaced (through diet). Make sure at each meal, you are consuming lean protein such as poultry, eggs, legumes, grains, nuts, or fish to help with energy and to help with making you feel fuller longer!
- DITCH THE FAD DIETS: At the beginning of each year, I always hear in the gym how different people are trying all these different fad diets. In my opinion and through experience (yes-I used to be THOSE people) you are driving yourself crazy and like I said above, you’re setting yourself up for failure. It really is as simple as this: eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet filled with fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, water, and healthy fats. Get outside and be active. Watch your portions. You will surprise yourself and save yourself tons of money- I promise.