What better New Year’s resolution than eating healthy and staying fit for the rest of the year? Goals and resolutions for the new year often focus on weight loss or exercise, and although these are important indicators of health and happiness, maintaining overall health is of the essence.
Good food choices are your best investment and incorporating healthy eating habits and nutritious food choices into your lifestyle will help you maintain a healthy relationship with your body. A focus on portion control and mindful eating is essential as people tend to overeat, especially during the holiday season.
When changing diet, it is always advisable to start small and set some realistic goals. In the long run, you’ll have better self-esteem and more self-confidence because you’ll actually be with them. Our bodies are incredibly complex and no single diet can provide us with all the nutrients we need for optimal function.
To keep us healthy and strong, our diet should include a variety of fresh and nutritious foods. Sounds complicated, right? Don’t worry! In an interview with HT Lifestyle, South Indian beauty Pranita Subhash suggests three food options that you can add to your diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle:
1. Make almonds your best friend
This year, make a promise to make almonds your best friend because they are a delicious snacking option packed with powerful and nutritious nutrients. I personally consume a handful of almonds every morning as they are filling and a perfect pre-workout/post-workout snack.
Consuming almonds every day provides a boost of energy and helps you feel active throughout the day. Almonds are a rich source of protein, which is not only energy-producing but also known to contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
It promotes feelings of fullness, so you don’t resort to unhealthy snack options. Almonds are known for their versatility and crunchiness and pair well with many Indian spices/spices, making a great addition to many dishes. So be sure to include a handful of almonds in your diet every day! You can choose to eat a handful first thing in the morning, or have a snack before or after a workout, or have something between meals.
2. Eat more vegetables
Eating green vegetables should be a priority on everyone’s New Year’s resolution list. Vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and eating a healthy portion every day can help prevent various diseases and lead a quality life.
Green vegetables are low in calories and can be consumed as much as you like without gaining extra weight. It can be consumed boiled or fried and mixed with your choice of protein.
Always choose crispy leaves with fresh green color as they have maximum flavor and nutrients. My green vegetables include kale, broccoli and spinach. I use them in my salads or consume them stir-fried.
3. Eat foods low in sugar
Cutting back on your added sugar intake is the best health decision you can make this year. As people become more aware of added sugar and how a sugary diet can affect their risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, they are looking for products that use less added sugar.
For your long-term health, it’s important to limit sugar-sweetened foods and beverages. Eat foods low in added sugar, such as yogurt smoothies, fruits and vegetables (check the ingredients, they may have added sugar). It can help you manage your weight and improve overall body health.
In addition to swearing by the above food options, make sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day. Sticking to New Year’s resolutions is not easy and to achieve them, one must appreciate the gift of good health and prioritize both physical and mental health.
What foods are an important part of your daily life? What kinds of activities do you enjoy the most? Ask yourself these questions when planning your healthy habits. If you include foods and activities that you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to stick with your goals over time.