We’re more than 3 weeks into the New Year. How are your diet and health resolutions coming along?
According to a study done by the University of Scranton, “lose weight” is the most popular resolution among Americans. Yet, only 8% of people who make resolutions are successful in achieving them.
We all start out with good intentions…but our busy lives and old habits can make it difficult to eat as healthy as we should or get to the gym as often as we promised ourselves we would.
Here are just a few tips to help you either get back on track…or stay on track with your diet-related resolutions!
1. Drink plenty of water. It’s cheap, fat-free, and your body needs plenty of it! If drinking the recommended 8 glasses per day seems daunting, drink a glass first thing every morning and one with each meal (there’s 4!). If you are hungry between meals, try drinking a glass of water before you reach for a snack. And if you have a difficult time with plain water, try adding a splash of your favorite juice or real lemons to it.
2. Plan ahead. Think about it – when are you most prone to cheat? And why? Is it between meals at work? If so, then pack a healthy snack so you are not tempted to hit the vending machine. Or, are you most prone to cheating at dinnertime…because you’re running late from work or errands or transporting kids (or all of the above) and fast food beckons to your growling stomach? Try keeping a healthy, emergency snack in your car or purse to get you through until dinner…and/or make meals ahead of time that you just have to reheat when you get home. Or, maybe you’re a late afternoon snacker? Try chewing some gum, snacking on carrot sticks or keeping your hands busy with water or a cup of hot tea.
3. Choose your calories wisely. As you try to lose weight and improve your health, the quality of your calories are just as important as the quantity. Select lean, all-natural meats and eat colorful fruits, vegetables and grains. Colorful produce is packed with disease-fighting compounds! Also, pay attention to the calories you drink – juices, sodas, sugar in your tea or coffee, wine, etc. Cutting back on liquid calories can go a long way toward hitting your healthy, target calorie intake each day.
4. Start your day over. If you fall off the wagon on your New Year’s resolutions, you can always start your day (or even your week) over. Don’t waste time beating yourself up. You’re human. Pick yourself back up, dust yourself off and move forward with a clean slate. Start your day over right now…or start fresh tomorrow, after a good night’s sleep.
Good luck with your New Year’s resolutions – whatever they may be! And if you need help solving the dinnertime cheating or want to learn how to shop healthier at the grocery store, Savor Culinary Services is here to help. Contact us at 817.330.3031, [email protected] or online at www.savorculinaryservices.com.