It’s a new year, and there is a common goal that we all share: getting healthy. While most people abandon their goals by February, it does not have to be that way. We often give up on our goals because they become overwhelming. However, when you take weight loss and health one step at a time, it is almost too easy to get healthy again.
The Best Foods to Eat
To truly begin living a healthier life, you’ll need to go to the grocery store. Pick up fresh fruits and veggies (although frozen is a great option as long as there are no additives or sauces). Apples are a great snack for curbing your appetite, and avocados provide good fats that keep you full.
For a healthy dose of protein, choose Greek yogurt, nuts and eggs. These superfoods will keep you full when combined with oatmeal for breakfast, your salad at lunch, and chicken wraps for dinner. Choose whole grain, ditch anything artificial, and fill your fridge with foods you can feel good about eating – even during a snack attack. With a stock of only whole foods, eating more will mean losing more.
Never Skip Breakfast – Or Any Meal
Losing weight does not mean skipping meals, such as dinner or breakfast – traditionally large meals. Skipping meals and starving yourself hurts your metabolism, so do not worry about skipping a delicious breakfast to fit into your dream dress size. The key is to choose healthy foods that both fill you up and don’t weigh you down. You’ll still be able to fit into that sexy thing from Three Wishes that your spouse loves so much.
At breakfast, if you want something lighter, there are endless recipes for a filling and delicious smoothie. Use frozen veggies, low-fat Greek yogurt, oats, peanut butter, veggies like spinach and kale, and even protein powder to fuel your morning cardio session. Oatmeal is a classic, but it is an extraordinary food that keeps you full and warm until lunchtime.
Cut Sugar
Okay, so this is one of the hardest steps in your weight loss journey: cutting sugar can be downright scary. Reading labels will help you to remain conscious of how much sugar you would consume each day unless you successfully cut it out of your diet. And it’s a lot. While it’ll make you feel like you are starving at first, cutting sugar will cut your cravings for it.
Moreover, don’t drink your sugar! A single 8-ounce can of soda has an average of 9 teaspoons of sugar, while each teaspoon has around 4 grams of sugar – that is 36 grams of sugar in one sitting. Those sweet coffee drinks that we love can contain up to 60 grams of sugar alone. When we stop drinking our sugar, we take a huge step toward a truly healthy lifestyle.
Keep Active
When you are on a diet, you will sneak the occasional cookie or have a bowl of ice cream with your family – you shouldn’t deny yourself cheat meals or treats. However, if you put in a great workout afterward or the next day, you’ll feel much better – and give your healthy metabolism a much-needed boost. Keeping active is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle – and it’ll excuse your desire to indulge!
It can be difficult to start a new diet – a diet that will become a lifestyle and not simply a trend – and become healthier for it. While you want to take it one step at a time, know that this is a big change that will make your life better. Remember, it is never too late to make healthy changes and treat yourself well – and there’s no need to starve while doing so either.