Every year at this time we decide to make New Year’s resolutions that are often bold and unrealistic. So to start you off on the right track here are some realistic resolutions you can try for a healthier new year. It’s not too late to start the year off right.
- Drink Water: Water is essential to our every day functioning. Try to drink 4-8 glasses a day (8 oz glass). Listen to your body it will tell you how much water you need. If you need something with a little more taste or fizz, try flavored seltzers or add a squirt of lemon or lime to your water.
- Vegetables: Try a new vegetable each month, you’re bound to find a new one that you like. Winter vegetables that are in season include: broccoli, Belgian endive, parsnip, and cabbage.
- Sugars: Give up processed sugars (white table sugar, brown sugar, high fructose corn syrup). These refined sugars are found in processed foods. Try substituting healthy sweeteners, such as agave nectar, 100% maple syrup, brown rice syrup, stevia. You can buy these sweeteners in New York City at Whole Foods, Fairway, The Health Nuts and Gary Nulls health food stores.
- Whole Grains: Give up processed white bread and try whole wheat breads & rolls. Add brown rice, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, oatmeal and barley to your breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you’re looking for a sweeter breakfast add some dried fruit, nuts or agave syrup to your oatmeal or quinoa.
- Try new foods: Experiment, try one new unprocessed food a month. You’ll be amazed how much variety this will add to your diet. Some suggestions: raw chocolate, jicama, seaweed salad, and almond butter.
Contributed by Naidu, fitness trainer
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