3 Easy Tips to a Healthier Year

The holidays are over, the kids are back to school and you are back to your routine but you might still be trying to recover from a prolonged indulgence. Skipped workouts, lack of sleep and excesses in rich foods, sweets and alcohol may have left a lingering affect on you. Whether you’ve made resolutions or not, you may be finding it difficult to get back into the swing of things, and possibly, already playing catch-up so early in the new year. No fear – these 3 easy steps will get you back on track quickly and jumpstart any resolutions you may have made without requiring any planning or a lot of time.

1. Drink More Water. Start your morning with a large glass of water (or 2). Drink a large glass before every meal and snack and another glass (or 2) during your meal and snack. You can prepare your daily water intake in advance by labeling bottles of water for each meal and snack or for specific times of the day. Most of us do not drink enough water and introducing just a little more than usual will help clear toxins, help with digestion, aid in feelings of fullness and lead to clearer skin.
2. Eat more Veggies (and Fruit). Try to eat veggies with every meal, and if you feel motivated, as your snack(s) too. Fruits are great too but they do have more sugars so try and focus on veggies. Eat the rainbow – variety of types and colors. Veggies contribute to feelings of fullness, offer natural vitamins and minerals, aid in digestion and a healthy gut and assist with weight management. Wash, cut and package in containers as soon as you get home from buying groceries. Place a container of cut up veg front and center in your fridge for easy (healthier) snacking.
3. Get more Sleep. Between 7-9 hours – no question. This might mean missing out on some tv shor) snacking.ws but in the end you will feel so much better. A quality good night’s rest decreases your stress hormone (cortisol) and assists with weight loss. It also allows your body the time to do what it needs to do – repairs, digestions, healing and is key in stress management. Try planning to be in bed 15 minutes earlier every few nights until you are consistently getting a minimum of 7 hours of sleep nightly.

It’s as easy as that – I’m not suggesting drastic lifestyle changes just a few additions to what you’re already doing. These 3 will naturally leave you feeling fuller (less snacking and better weight control), improve overall wellness by increasing intake of natural vitamins and ramping up immunity, leave you feeling more energized and possibly ready and eager to take on more positive lifestyle changes. These small adjustments will also leave you plenty of time to get caught up on all the other demands in your life.