It’s been two weeks since 2020 began — how have you been doing on your New Year’s resolutions? Most of our resolutions are to begin a healthier diet, but many believe eating better comes as a result of diving head first into a crazy diet. Others also assume cutting out a certain food group, typically those containing fat or carbs, will also help. Surprisingly, these are counteractive tactics to better eating and result in the goal unattained. Here are three ways to maintain your New Year’s resolution of healthier eating:
Stay Hydrated!
As simple as this may sound, drinking those eight glasses of water or more a day will support your New Year’s resolution. Staying hydrated has been proven to curb your appetite, boost your metabolism, and provides extra benefits such as increased energy, brain function, and glowing skin. The key to healthy hydration is never running thirsty — in fact, the moment you feel thirsty is an early indication of dehydration! According to Healthline, drinking cold water can also help with weight loss since the body uses extra energy to warm it up to its proper body temperature. You can also flavor your water with lemon, cucumber, and/or mint to support digestion and sooth your stomach. Water is your best friend — after all, 60% of your body is H20!
Finding the Right Balance of Foods For You
Since the Keto and Paleo diets went viral, protein and healthy, high fat foods have been celebrated while carbohydrates have been placed on the backburner and highly misunderstood. Healthline states that carbohydrates are technically not a vital part of a human’s diet like protein and healthy fats, but whole carbs provide our bodies with beneficial vitamins, nutrients, and fiber that make us stronger. You just have to eat whole carbohydrates rather than refined. Understanding the difference between a whole carb and refined carb can seriously benefit you and help achieve the right balance of healthy foods in your diet.
Normally coined as simple carbs, whole carbs are non-processed foods containing natural fiber. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and non-fried potatoes are whole/simple carbs. Refined carbs, formally known as complex carbs, are processed and full of processed sugar. These are the foods made of every -crose in the books. Sodas, fruit juices, candy, pastries, and, yes, most holiday treats are considered refined/complex carbs.
Lucky for the Playa Fam, every Playa Bowl is made of whole/simple carbs (minus the Nutella, but cheat meals are just as important to your regime)! Playa bowls are made of fruit, whole grains, and contain lots of protein and healthy fats if you add protein powder, peanut butter, almond butter or seeds. If you’re looking for a sweet tasting snack or meal that will maintain that healthy resolution, eat that Pura Vida! The key to a healthy diet is finding the right balance of proteins, healthy fats, and whole carbohydrates for you.
Create Mini Goals To Achieve
No goal is ever achieved in one day! Just like your fitness goals, your health goals take time to come to fruition. Instead of cutting everything deemed unhealthy out of your life on January 2nd, set dates to achieve mini goals for yourself. What do you want your health to look like in one month? How about 3 months or 6 months? Set realistic goals to achieve throughout different points of the year. And, don’t forget your cheat meals! They are just as important as the healthy ones, and everyone loves a nice reward for their hard work!
Write Down Your Goals
Once you create a realistic timeline of mini goals, write them all down in a planner or journal. This will not only help you remember your goals, but keep track of your progress as well. Seeing progress automatically increases a person’s motivation and persistence. Remember, little steps attained transform into big goals achieved. Take one day at a time, and healthy eating will be yours!