New Year, New Me with Tipson!

2020 is here, and it is more than just a new year, it is a brand new decade! If you would have been looking to make a change, this is the perfect time. A new year often signifies a fresh start for us, and for a majority of us this means setting health goals, such as losing weight, following a healthier diet, and starting an exercise routine! However, more often than not, the health and wellness resolutions we make are made in anticipation of quick results. This means that we choose highly restrictive and unsustainable diets, leading even the most determined of us to break their resolutions within a few weeks. This is why many people make the same resolutions year after year. So, here are 5 new year resolutions that you can actually keep in order to become a fitter and healthier individual!

Eat healthier

One of the easiest ways to improve overall fitness is to eat more whole foods. Whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish, contain a plethora of nutrients that your body needs to function at an optimal level. Research has shown that following a whole-food-based diet can significantly reduce heart disease risk factors, body weight, and blood sugar levels. This kind of diet can also help decrease your risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. A little tip, add more whole foods to your diet slowly and consistently, rather than shocking your body with a major change in your diet. For example, if you’re not used to eating vegetables, start by adding one serving of your favorite veggie to your diet every day. 

Lose sweetened beverages

Cutting back on sweetened beverages is a very smart idea considering that sugary drinks are linked to an increased risk of obesity, fatty liver, heart disease, insulin resistance, and cavities in both children and adults. Though quitting sweetened beverages right then and there is always an option, gradually minimizing your intake may help you kick your sugary drink habit for good. 

Get moving this new year

Every New Year, people purchase expensive memberships to gyms, workout studios, and online fitness programs in hopes of shedding excess body fat in the year to come. Though most people start strong, the majority don’t make their new routine into a lasting habit. However, here is a little trick to help you  increase the chances of making your fitness resolutions stick; choose an activity based on enjoyment and whether it fits into your schedule. For example, taking a half-hour walk, jog, or bike ride before work, or swimming at a gym that’s on your way home, are simple and sustainable exercise resolutions. Then, set an attainable goal, such as planning to walk a few specific days per week instead of aiming for every day. Making a more realistic goal can enhance the chances of making your new routine last, especially if you’re new to working out.

Get cookin’ this year

Research shows that people who cook more meals at home have better diet quality and less body fat than people who eat more meals on the go. 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. Did you know that;

• Sautéing is better than deep-frying. Frying foods adds fats and calories and doesn't add any nutrition.
• Steam your vegetables instead of boiling them to mush. Steaming will preserve the vitamins found in the vegetables.15
• When you cook your healthy meals at home, be sure to make extra to take to work or school the next day.

Stay motivated

It is a lot easier said than done, but sometimes getting started with a new healthy diet and fitness plan is the easy part. Many of us hit roadblocks due to busy schedules, loss of motivation, or weight loss plateaus. Those are the times when we feel like we do everything right, but the scale doesn't seem to budge. When this happens, don't give up! Think back to why you made the goal in the first place and find the inspiration you need to get back on track. Be sure to celebrate your small successes too! 

There is it is, 5 ways you can create a sustainable fitness new year resolution that you can actually stick to. Remember, it is all about taking small steps, rather than trying to make a drastic change at one which can lead to burnout. Take it slow, take it easy, and we wish you a happy and prosperous 2020!