Posted on Thursday, January 2, 2020
We want to help you achieve your resolutions for the New Year! Check out this list of 7 Healthy Habits to Start in the New Year from Angela Larson, RD.
- Go outside. I don’t need to quote studies to tell you that going outside is good for your well-being. There are so many things that make it great – plenty of opportunities to move, sunshine to help set your circadian rhythm and make vitamin D, and even just being around plants and trees has been shown to improve mood and increase longevity. So find an excuse and go outside every chance you get.
- Makeover your beverage choices. Beverages are an easy place to make changes that will have a lasting impact on your health. Most people assume there’s nothing healthy to drink if you’d like anything other than plain ol’ water, but there are plenty of options to wet your whistle while boosting your health. Awesome beverage options are green tea, herbal teas, kombucha, cold-pressed juices and smoothies, coconut water, aloe vera juice, nut milks, and good old fashioned cow’s milk. Check out your neighborhood Brookshire Brothers for plenty of beverage inspiration for the coming year.
- Share meals. Eating together with loved ones and friends is a wonderful habit to work toward for the good of everyone involved. Sharing family meals teaches children to eat well and provides a place of connection where the day pauses and everyone is engaged with one another. Work toward sharing more meals with loved ones this year, and take the time to really enjoy the food and the company.
- Revamp your breakfast routine. One of the most frequently missed opportunities to bolster a healthier diet is at breakfast. Breakfast is a great time to get healthy proteins and nutrient-rich foods into your daily routine, but many people get stuck in a breakfast rut with the same old choices day after day. Try some healthier options in the coming year like homemade oatmeal, plain Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, fresh fruit, homemade smoothies, or my favorite – eggs. Don’t miss the opportunity to nourish your body well at the start of the day. In a hurry? Check out some of the great new breakfast options available that are less carb-centric at your neighborhood Brookshire Brothers. I’ve seen protein packed options like egg sandwiches sans the bread in my local refrigerated and freezer cases.
- Take walks. Walking is a great way to connect with nature, friends, and family. It’s also a foundational human movement that we often neglect as being essential to good health. Strive to walk three to five miles a day like most of humankind has over the course of history – our bodies are made to walk. Include a walk – short, long, or anywhere in-between -- as part of your daily routine as often as possible.
- Eat plants. Most of us aren’t eating enough wholesome plant foods. Including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet is a no-brainer, but don’t neglect the other plant food superstars like nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, peas, and a variety of whole grains other than wheat. Plant foods are always a great choice, so when you reach for a snack and plan a meal, remember to aim to include whole plant foods more often and skip the processed stuff as much as possible.
- Get bored. I am a big believer in staring out the window, without a phone or any other distraction in hand. Allow your mind to wander and drift without being beckoned by the many distractions and forms of entertainment we tend to gravitate toward. Take a couple minutes each day to hit the pause button without any form of entertainment or distractions and just “be.”
Visit your local Brookshire Brothers for all your real fresh, real delicious ingredients!
Angela Larson is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who works with Brookshire Brothers promoting real fresh, real delicious foods. Delicious food is her passion, so she loves trying new recipes and exploring the more holistic side of health and nutrition. When Angela isn't working with Brookshire Brothers, she's a mostly stay-at-home mom who loves to cook, garden, and spend time outdoors with her husband, Austin, and their two daughters.