2018 Resolutions: How to Have a Healthy New Year

 

We did it! We survived 2017 and have another year’s worth of experiences under our belt. Whether you have grand plans to hit the town or spend a cozy evening on the couch to ring in the New Year, we all know that come January 1st, the pressure’s on to plan–and stick to–your 2018 resolutions. ENLIGHTENED is here to help you get a head start on your health & wellness pledges and provide you with tips on how to stick to them.

 

And as a reminder–resolutions are just a first step in the process, so don’t beat yourself up if you’re having trouble sticking to them. Remember, it’s the little things that make a big impact over time, so don’t be afraid to reward yourself along the way. By keeping it simple and making the small changes, you’ll ultimately reach your goals.

 

 

Eat natural

 

Healthy eating isn’t always easy, especially when you have junk food available to snack on at every grocery store, deli counter, and office kitchen. While clean eating during every meal may be a difficult resolution to hold yourself to, you can always take baby steps to limit the processed foods in your diet. Consider snacking on something healthy when your afternoon cravings strike. Instead of reaching for oily chips, ENLIGHTENED’s Roasted Broad Bean Crisps are a great alternative source of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fat.

 

 

Become more educated on what you’re putting into your body

 

Knowing what your body needs is one of the first steps towards eating a healthy diet with proper nutrition. By taking the time to properly educate yourself on food nutrition, you’ll be much better at choosing a diet that is right for you and your health! You can take small steps to educate yourself by learning about what your body needs, what the foods you eat are made of, and reading food labels.

 

 

Make one healthy choice a day

 

Each and every day we’re faced with thousands of choices, from whether to stay home or hit the gym, what to eat, whether to walk or drive, eat chips or crisps, cook or eat out…  the list goes on and on. While these choices can be overwhelming, this month make it a plan to make one healthy decision daily. Try drinking only water, consuming more protein, or only eating when you’re hungry! You don’t need to tackle everything at once to build an overall healthy lifestyle.

 

 

Reflection promise: find something to be thankful for each day

 

Reflecting upon your progress is something that is key to success, especially if you’re constantly on the move. Take some time out of each and every day to think about what your original goals were and how you’ve advanced towards them since you made your pledge. The lessons you learn from reflecting on what you had originally set out to do, and what you’ve already accomplished, can be used to decide how you continue on your journey towards self-improvement.

 

 

Take time to meditate/de-stress

 

We all know that stress isn’t healthy, but do you know what stress can do to your body over extended periods of time? Stress can contribute to chronic conditions such as headaches and hypertension, as well as mental health concerns like depression and anxiety disorders, and can make other conditions — like asthma, irritable bowel syndrome and insomnia — worse. The good news is that just as we have a stress response, we also have a relaxation response during which your blood pressure drops and your breathing slows. Activities such as walking, deep breathing, and turning off your phone can help keep your stress in check. Keep calm and carry on, friends!

 

At ENLIGHTENED, we strongly believe in balance. While you work towards your resolutions, you shouldn’t forget to schedule in some time to treat yourself! Whether that be by enjoying your favorite ice cream, candy, or yummy dessert while you work towards your goals, we believe that there’s always a way to adapt something you love to be good for you, too. Here’s to a happy — and healthy — start to 2018.

 

What are your healthy new year resolutions? Let us know and follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter for more recipes, workouts, and everything #TeamEnlightened.