The holiday season will be starting soon and while we are excited for Christmas and all the
delicious food we are going to eat, 2019 is approaching fast (is it just me or do the years go by faster and faster?).
The new year is the ideal time to reset, plan, and get good habits going. Most of us are full of goodwill at first, but we quickly give up on the goals we set up for that year. Who actually keeps their new year’s resolutions?
2019 will be the year of healthy lifestyles and because I want you to feel as healthy as you can be, here are 10 easy good habits to kick start 2019 on the right foot and have a healthy, happy year.
1. One word: Balance
No strict diet in 2019 unless you really need to. The secret to a happy, healthy life is finding balance. It’s good to indulge once in a while and you shouldn’t beat yourself up for a pizza.
2. Drink more water
Being hydrated is really important and helps your body work efficiently. Tea is a good alternative if you want a more flavourful beverage. Tea also has many health benefits, may it be black, white or green.
3. Eat less meat.
And when you do choose to eat some, make sure it’s good quality meat, meaning it’s from humanely treated, grass-fed livestock instead of factory farms that use Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO).
4. Go to your local farmer’s market
Get as many fresh fruits and vegetables and learn how to cook them. Fresh vegetables are full of nutrients that you do not want to miss out on. Moreover, it’s often cheaper than buying from the grocery store and you support local farmers instead of giving money to big international companies. Make it a weekly activity!
5. Avoid packaged processed food.
I know they’re convenient and cheap, but they’re packed with bad stuffsuch as sugar and trans fats that will ruin your health.
6. Get a cookbook
There are so many cookbooks for busy people with a minimum of time to cook. My favorite is the classic EatingWell Healthy in a Hurry Cookbook. Also, if you want to reduce your meat intake, get a vegetarian cookbook to get ideas and inspiration in the kitchen.
7. Try Intermittent fasting and mindful eating
This changed my life. I am way more energised and feel better than ever. I used to be obsessed with food and thought I needed to eat in order to function. I didn’t eat because I enjoyed it but because I had to. Coupled with mindful eating, I now see food as a pleasure. I enjoy every single bite and I want to put good things in my body. Fasting helps you focus, feel more energised and boosts your immune system.
8. Make time for your hobby
It’s important to do things that you love. If you’re into art, dedicate an hour a day for it. If you’re into music, do so as well. Take care of yourself by doing things you love, regularly. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the responsibilities and daily chores, but is an hour a day of free time really going to ruin your plans? You’ll probably be more productive if you allow yourself to do what you love for an hour or two than if you just forbid yourself and feel frustrated.
9. Find an activity that you love
Exercising is so important, both for your body and your mind. However, it’s hard to exercise regularly if you hate doing it. Find something that you will like and you won’t see as a chore! For instance, I hate cardio training. I can’t do anything about it. So I signed up for kickboxing lessons 6 months ago and I am so addicted now that I wish I could go every day. That never happened when I used to do fitness. Working out shouldn’t be a drag. Make it fun!
10. Dis- and reconnect
In this day and age, we are constantly connected to the internet. We watch everyone else live through social media, and strive for likes and attention. We are so much on our phones that we forget to really live life. Try to go out the door without your phone once in a while and live the moment. Disconnect from your smartphone and Reconnect your senses to nature. Meditate, have fun, have meaningful conversations with people you care about and stop living vicariously.
So here you go, 10 new habits for 2019 that are easy to stick to! Do you have any tips to stick to good habits? What resolutions you have in mind for the new year?
This article originally published on fit.com by Chloe Hollman