How to Keep Your Healthy New Year’s Resolution

The New Year is the perfect time to self-reflect on your previous choices and choose a healthier lifestyle. Be forewarned, committing to a better lifestyle is never easy; it takes small steps and the right motivation. Find out how you can keep your healthy New Year’s Resolution and become the best version of yourself.

Start with your vision in mind.

Set a visual goal by holding onto a dress you want to eventually fit into, or an old picture where you believed you looked and felt your best. Having this image in your mind will help solidify a realistic achievement and help form an idea of where you want to be. In times of trial, reference back to the items that motivate you the most.

Take baby steps.

Just like you wouldn’t start a marathon at full speed, try pacing yourself. Starting off slow and steady will give your body enough time to adjust to the changes you are making. Create small manageable goals that are achievable along the way. It can be as simple as: “Tomorrow, I will go out for a walk around the neighborhood.”

Invest in a better you.

Shedding the pounds and having a positive mindset is easier to maintain when you have the right materials to keep you on track. Whenever you feel that your progress needs to be rewarded, treat yourself to some new gym clothes or shoes rather than a “cheat” snack.

Don’t eat less, just eat right.

Most diets fail because most people can’t stomach the idea of eating a salad. Good news! Your greens can be eaten all sorts of ways! Eat in portions and at a slower pace. It takes your body approximately 20 minutes to let you know that it is full and to stop eating. Thus, finishing your food under this time can cause you to overindulge.

Stay hydrated.

There are plenty of benefits to drinking water. This is essential to your health and also helps you stay alert and have extra energy. Don’t forget, healthy and hydrated muscle tissue can help prevent tiredness and cramps when you are exercising. Water is also a great appetite suppressant. Your body can get the feeling of hunger and thirst confused. So, often times, when you feel hungry, try drinking water! Usually, this sensation is only your body telling you that you’re dehydrated.

Don’t lose hope.

Although you may want to see results after a couple of days of keeping up with your healthy habits, the aftereffects are never shown overnight; progress slowly begins to reveal itself the more you begin to work for it.

“A healthy outside starts from the inside.” — Robert Urich