Happy 2016! Well, better late than never right?
I gave up making new year resolutions several years ago when I realized that I never could keep them beyond March. I now much rather prefer to set various small goals to help me achieve success throughout the year. Improving my diet and increasing my physical activity levels are on the agenda for 2016 (yes, even the dietitian can make improvements to her diet and lifestyle) and rather than set large goals, I am focussing on developing better habits and challenging myself.
I encourage you can adopt 1, 2 or all of these habits with me because while they may sound small, they have the potential to yield HUGE results.
My first healthy habit: I am running.
I am training to run 26.2 miles. As crazy as that may sound…26.3 miles is just plain crazy!
I am one of those people that despise running. In fact, I often joke with friends that I run only when something is chasing me. (Hides face behind face). However, goals are all about challenging oneself. So in 2016…….(drum roll please)……. I am running a marathon. That’s 26.2 miles …42.16 km for my metric friends. Yes, I am running (walking, crawling, rolling…)to that finish line. Why? Because I can and because I think long distance running is one of the most grueling, yet rewarding physical and mental games one can ever play. Besides it is a great way to get physically active. With the support of a few good friends (who are running with me), I am embarking on a 20 week training program that will encourage me to be physically active at least 3-4 days a week. Watch this space….more to come!
Make this your healthy habit: Breathe! You DON’T have to run a marathon! (Phew!). You just have to engage in a physical activity that gets you moving on most days of the week. Walk, run, skip, hop, play…just be physically active. Choose something that you enjoy and do it often. Form a league with friends and hold friendly soccer or netball games….Netball!!! Now there’s a league I could join. Just move!
I am making veggies like these the center of my plate. Yummmmmmmmmm!
My second healthy habit: I am making veggies the center of my plate
Here’s the deal. I eat my veggies but oftentimes they are an afterthought. I usually start my meal plans by focussing on what protein foods I want to eat and then planning my starch before fitting in some veggies. This year, I will start by deciding which veggies or plant foods I want to enjoy and then plan the rest of the meal around there. That way, I am assured of having a hearty serving of veggies at each meal….including breakfast.
Make this your healthy habit by including at least 1/2 a cup of veggies on your plate at each meal. Not only are these colorful foods extremely high in a wide variety of nutrients, they help ward off disease and keep you healthy. Not to mention, their low calorie nature make them a great ally for weight loss. Remember, the recommended serving of veggies is a 1/2 cup…not the measly tablespoon that many of us consume at meals.
My third healthy habit: I am sitting down
Sitting down to eat is not only a healthy habit but it is quite a relaxing one.
Make this your healthy habit by designating eating places in the home (and work area). Always sit down at these places and rather than eat while looking at a screen, sit down with a friend and enjoy the gift of socialization. Before long, you will notice that you eat less and are more in tune with your body, stopping eating when you are full. Who knows? This one habit could be the one that leads to permanent weight loss. Just try it
I encourage you can adopt 1, 2 or all of these habits with me because while they may sound small, they have the potential to yield HUGE results.
Your turn to share. What healthy habits are you adopting in 2016 and how will you achieve them? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Here’s to your health!
