Healthy Habits for the New Year and How You Can Stick to Them

Article Written by: Lisa Walker, https://www.neighborhoodsprout.org/

When the new year rolls around, many people set goals and make resolutions to incorporate healthy habits into their lifestyles. From eating better to working activity into each day, there are several ways you can make your health a priority. Sticking to them can be a different story, however, especially when you’re busy.

Start by setting attainable goals for yourself, then think about the tools you need to make them happen. A great pair of gloves can make all the difference when you’re working with weights or kettlebells, for instance, and Paramount Athletics has you covered with the Phantom Grips II, which are specifically designed for maximizing workouts.

Once you’ve found a health plan you like, take some steps to keep it up.

Find a partner

Whether it’s a diet, a workout, or something in-between, it can be difficult to start a new regimen by yourself. Talk to your spouse or partner, best friend, or family member about joining you in your health plan. This way, you’ll have support throughout your journey as well as some accountability. After all, it’s much harder to give up on an exercise routine when you know someone is depending on you to do it with them.

You can also look on social media for accountability and support groups as you move forward with a healthier lifestyle. Members of these groups often share recipes and workout tips and offer support and encouragement as you find your groove.

Consider hiring a personal trainer

If you want accountability along with some education on how to make the most of your workouts, consider hiring a personal trainer. Paramount Athletics offers different training packages for different needs, and you can get a personalized plan of action as well as a health guide and around-the-clock support. If you’re unsure of where to start with your health plan for the new year, a personal trainer can help you get on track and stay there.

Cleanse your home

You may not realize it, but your surroundings contribute heavily to the way you feel each day; they can even drag you down when you’re trying to start a new routine. If you’ve noticed that you and your family members are arguing or complaining a lot more lately, take a look around and focus on the rooms in your house. Is there clutter piled up on countertops? Are there dust bunnies under the couch? Cleaning and decluttering can truly help to banish negative energy, so get out the broom, create a plan for items you no longer want, and throw open a few windows on nice days. Most people see an immediate, positive change in their mental health afterward.

Organize your pantry

It’s challenging to stick to a healthy diet when you don’t have a plan, so it’s crucial to think about your meals and snacks for the week before you go shopping. When you’re putting groceries away, organize your pantry and refrigerator so you can easily find things like granola bars, dried fruit, jerky, and other grab-and-go items. This will ensure that you don’t reach for sugary foods when you’re hungry and in a hurry.

You might also consider doing meal-prep for the week, which consists of cooking up healthy ingredients and portioning them out to freeze or refrigerate. Not only does this help you eat better on busy weeknights, but it can also actually save you time and money as well.

Finding a healthy routine that works can take some time, so be patient with yourself as you begin your journey. Setting realistic goals and finding support will help you stay on track and make the most of your new lifestyle so you can ensure that it’s a success.

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