How’s that resolution going?
We tend to think big when making resolutions, when the most effective way to see tangible results is by making small changes that are doable. So think small. If you haven’t yet read Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect, it’s a great short read about how small changes add up over time – whether they be positive or negative. I have seen that demonstrated in my life time and time again.
What one or two small things can you change that will add up over time? Here are some ideas:
Add dark leafy greens
From a Washington Post article:
“Eating more dark green leafy vegetables is one of the best changes you can make because ‘they are the healthiest food on the planet,’ says Tracye McQuirter, public health nutritionist, author of “Ageless Vegan” and founder of the 10 Million Black Vegan Women movement.
Dark green leafy vegetables are packed with nutrients that fight cancer and promote the health of our hearts, eyes, bones, digestive systems, brains and skin, which is why, she says, ‘the glow is in the greens.’”1 Plus – fiber! Most of us could use a little more fiber.
Sound tough to do? It doesn’t have to be. Add some chopped greens to a stir fry, an omelet, your smoothie (you won’t ruin it!), or sauces and soups. Just a little bit as a habit will really make a big difference.
Eat Less Red Meat
That means less, not zero, if you’re a meat lover. Between the health of your body and the health of our planet, it’s a really great thing to decrease consumption of, significantly if possible, and just a little bit if not. Even if once a week you choose an alternative (those Beyond or Impossible Burgers are pretty great!), you’re still helping things. I’ve been cooking up Beyond Burgers in my air fryer for quite some time, and I just love them.
Try More Easy Meals at Home
So many times we order food because the thought of cooking at the end of the day seems too daunting. We see delivery cars all over the place too.
Restaurants do still need our support most service businesses are still recovering from the pandemic, ours included.
But let’s be purposeful about when we order from restaurants (especially fast or fried foods). Let’s stick to our home-cooked resolve – even just one more day than we are tempted to cave to start with. Choose a couple easy, healthy recipes that become a go-to on your tired nights. Trader Joe’s has some great things for easy meals – try a few new things on each shopping trip to see what you enjoy. Choose things whose labels don’t look overly daunting with their ingredients of mispronounce-able things.
The Whole 30 has some great tasting recipes that are very healthy. The tuna boats, protein salad and salmon cakes are among my favorites – salmon cakes take a bit of prep, but you can make a double batch that will last awhile. The tuna boats can be done with or without the endive boats (and the tuna mix is delicious!), and the protein salad is super easy once you do it a couple times. There are also some great sauces for seafood that aren’t very difficult to make, and they go with pretty much any white fish. I often chop up a little cabbage to add to the tuna mix and it’s much faster than spooning the mix into the endive leaves.
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
’Tis the season to abstain – Dry January has become quite popular! Can you keep it going? It’s really, really good to give your body a break from alcohol. Cutting back even a little bit on your weekly intake will make a big difference on your health; alcohol calories really add up, and excessive consumption can lead to other health concerns over the long-term. The Surgeon General recently recommended a warning label on alcohol because it’s been discovered that there really is no safe amount of alcohol; it’s just toxic. You can minimize your risk by reducing consumption. Your body and your sleep will thank you!
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve seen that I feel so much better with little or no alcohol. I do very much enjoy it, so saving it for special occasions just makes it more special.
There are lots of good-tasting non-alcoholic beverages available these days. A few of my favorites include:
- Ghia – my favorite of them all! Aperitifs that are fantastic.
- Casamara Club Italian sodas – they’re all fabulous, but my favorites are Onda & Alta
- Kin Euphorics – their Actual Sunshine reminds me of a mimosa, and Lightwave is lovely to sip as your last beverage of the day. Everything I’ve tried from Kin has been great.
- Lyre products – I have yet to be disappointed in them
- Pentire – gin, margaritas, and palomas. Palomas are my favorite.
- Seedlip – great for mixers.
- Monday Gin
- Proteau botanical beverages a substitute for wine
There are hop waters out there too with zero calories, and lots of other things to try. Have fun with experimenting!
Give Your Mind a Break
Another great way to be healthier is to take care of your nervous system but giving your parasympathetic nervous system a break. Meditation is great for this, but a lot of people struggle with it. Walks in nature are also fantastic. You know what else does this? Massage! If you allow your body to relax (and don’t chit chat through the session), your mind, body and spirit will all be rejuvenated while also feeling great.
We wish you a healthy 2025!
1https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2022/01/03/how-make-smart-new-year-resolutions/
