Achieving Your New Year’s Resolutions: Nutritional Advice

With the start of a New Year, many of us have started to think about setting resolutions. Often, these involve health and wellness goals such as losing weight, eating healthier, or getting fit. While setting such goals is a great starting point, achieving them requires more than just determination; it requires a plan. This blog will provide nutritional advice to help you stay healthy and achieve your New Year’s resolutions.

Plan Your Meals

Planning your meals ahead can save you from making unhealthy food choices. When you're hungry and don't have a meal planned, it's easy to resort to fast food or processed snacks. Try to plan your meals for the week, ensuring they are balanced with proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables for added fiber and essential vitamins.

Portion Control

It's not just about what you eat but also how much you eat. Even healthy foods can contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess. Learning proper portion control can help keep your calorie intake in check. A simple rule of thumb is to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and the remaining quarter with whole grains.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is essential for overall health. It aids digestion, keeps your skin glowing, and can even help control hunger. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. If you find plain water boring, add some flavor with a slice of lemon, cucumber, or fresh mint.

Choose Whole Foods

Whole foods that have been minimally processed are packed with nutrients and fiber. They are more filling and less likely to cause overeating than processed foods. Try to incorporate more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and legumes into your diet.

Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is about paying attention to what you're eating and savoring each bite. It can help you enjoy your food more and prevent overeating. Try to eat without distractions like television or smartphones, chew your food thoroughly, and take time to enjoy each meal.

Limit Sugar and Salt Intake

Excessive sugar and salt intake can lead to a host of health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Try to limit your consumption of sugary drinks, sweets, and processed foods that are high in sodium. Opt for fresh fruits for dessert and use herbs and spices to flavor your meals instead of salt.

Regular Exercise

While not directly a nutritional habit, regular exercise goes hand in hand with a healthy diet. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, boost your mood, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

Nutritional Services in Glasgow, MT

Achieving your New Year’s resolutions is a journey, taking extra care and dedication to build positive change habits. However, you don’t have to do it alone!

Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital offers nutritional services to help you eat well and live a healthy lifestyle. Our staff dieticians offer education, personalized nutrition plans, private consultations, and special supplemental programs, including a nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Achieve your goals of a healthy lifestyle this year. Learn more about the nutrition services at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital today.