The beginning of a New Year brings the feeling of starting fresh and gives us the opportunity for change and reflection. This time of year is full of resolutions, whether to increase your productivity, learn a new skill or hobby, or create more healthful habits. If one of your resolutions includes creating more healthy habits, check out the guide below for six healthful habits to start in the new year.
1. Add one vegetable a day to your diet.
Start the new year by adding nutrient-dense veggies to your daily diet. Vegetables contain many vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants to help keep you healthy throughout the year. Start simple by adding in one veggie a day; this can be at breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner. Try incorporating your favorite veggies or mix them up and try new ones each week. The key is to keep your goal simple initially; then, you can work your way up to two or three vegetables a day once you have achieved this. Stay consistent, and your body will thank you later.
2. Start your day with a glass of water.
This healthy habit seems simple but can make all the difference for your body. Mornings can be hectic between making breakfast, packing lunches, and getting your little ones dressed and out the door. Your routine may include grabbing your morning cup of coffee already. Beginning your day with a glass of water instead of your usual cup or two of coffee might be what your body needs to start the day. Approximately 60% of your body is composed of water. Starting the day off with a glass can help build healthy habits that lead to better hydration throughout the day.
3. Include vitamin D3 in your diet.
This important vitamin can be a game-changer when it comes to overall health. Vitamin D3 plays a vital role in immune health, bone health, respiratory health, and heart health. Also known as the sunshine vitamin, you can obtain vitamin D from the sun. This way can be a little tricky, though. Depending on where you live and what season it is currently, you may not get adequate vitamin D. This is why it is recommended to supplement this vitamin to ensure you are getting enough vitamin D for optimal health.
4. Get more quality sleep.
You have probably heard that 8 hours is the golden standard for the perfect night’s sleep. However, what is more important is the quality of those hours of sleep. Sleep quality is essentially the measurement of how well you are sleeping or whether your sleep is restful and rejuvenating. A few ways you can help increase your sleep quality include making sure your bedroom is completely dark, and the temperature is cool. You can also incorporate other lifestyle changes like consuming less alcohol and getting more exercise. All of these factors can help you upgrade your sleep quality.
5. Cook more meals at home.
Cooking more meals at home is an excellent healthy habit to begin in the new year. Preparing home-cooked meals can help reduce overall sodium intake, fat intake, and you will be able to include more whole foods in your diet. You can start simple by setting a realistic goal of cooking from home 2-3 times a week to begin, then adding more days in as you get more into the routine. A few tips to help make preparing meals at home easier are to set aside a day to organize all your produce and get it ready for the week, or you can buy pre-prepared fresh or frozen produce at the store.
6. Spend more time outside.
In the new year, take some time each day to spend outdoors. This outdoor time can be taking a brisk 10-minute walk during your lunch break, recruiting your family to take a trip to the park, or even just sitting outside to get some fresh air. These can all be beneficial for your health, both physically and mentally. For example, it can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve mood.
