6 Unique Health & Fitness New Year's Resolutions

The clock is about to strike and you don't have a new year's resolution yet! You could choose something general, but we challenge you to take on these unique resolutions...

Have you set your new year's resolutions yet? Have you even thought about what you want to accomplish in 2021? Setting new year's resolutions is a routine part of January. Typical new year's resolutions involve eating healthier, dieting or losing weight, and exercising. And these health-related resolutions have one thing in common...95% of people will fail at accomplishing their new year's resolutions. But, why do most new year's resolutions fail?

The answer:

The goals are too broad. Let's examine the resolution of eating healthier. What does eating healthier mean? The meaning of "eating healthier" varies for everyone. It is essential to define the meaning of healthy eating to achieve your new year's resolution.

Additionally, this goal has no plan of action, which means that there is no plan to help you accomplish this goal. Eating healthier could involve hopping on a new diet like keto, paleo or grain-free diet, or it could be as simple as eating one vegetable at each meal. There are plenty of ways to eat healthier, both big and small. And, the good news is, any of these methods can be your new year's resolution! Eating healthier should be part of everyone's new year's resolutions! Check out these six unique ways to eat healthier in 2021 and accomplish your new year's resolution.

#6 Drink More Water

Do you drink enough water? Drinking enough water has tremendous benefits for your health. A healthy water intake can promote good skin, a healthy gut, regular bowel movements, a healthy weight, and reduced sugar cravings. An excellent way to help you drink enough water is to carry a reusable water bottle around with you. Suppose you're not a fan of water. In that case, there are plenty of zero-calorie, sugar-free flavourings or water drops that can make it more enjoyable for you!

#5 Eat Less Added Sugar

You may have heard that too much sugar can be bad for your diet, and well, it's true. But, just because you're planning on eating less sugar doesn't mean that you have to give up sweetness or sweet foods. There are plenty of foods that offer a sugar-free version or a no sugar added version. By making a simple switch to foods with less sugar, you are dramatically reducing your sugar intake with minimal effort! 

#4 Add Less Sugar to Food

Many recipes call for sugar. But, you could make a small switch and keep the same sweet taste in your food and baked goods by switching to a sweetener. There are sweeteners available for all your sugar needs: granulated, powdered sugar, brown sugar, liquid sugar and more! Switching to a sweetener will reduce your sugar intake, prevent blood sugar spikes and drops, and lower the number of calories you're consuming. 

#3 Eat More Plant-Based Food

Mother knows best, as in mother nature! Plant foods are full of fibre and vitamins, and minerals. Adding one plant-based food to your plate every day is an excellent way to increase your plant-food intake. You can add chickpeas, beans or other legumes to your plate. Or you could switch one of your products to a plant-based product, such as changing your regular pasta for chickpea pasta! There are plenty of options, including snacks that are plant-based for you to choose from. You'll be getting all of the benefits with the same great taste in no time!

#2 Eat Protein at Each Meal

Protein is essential for a healthy diet. Our bodies use protein to make everything from our muscles down to our nails. And, sometimes it can be challenging to get enough protein in your diet without feeling like you're overdosing on chicken or legumes. Luckily, there are many snacks, meals, mixes and side dishes available with extra protein. Making the switch to one of these high protein options will give you the extra boost of protein without extra chewing.

#1 Eat More Fibre at Each Meal

Not many of us get enough fibre in our diets. Fibre is essential for a healthy bowel. Fibre is in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, all of which can be a picky eater's enemy. But, there are many high fibre food options available to help you get the fibre you need. There's something for everyone from rice to pasta to sauce! Pick your favourite and create a dish with it once a week for an additional boost of fibre!

As you can see, accomplishing your resolution of eating healthy is easier than you think! Small changes can make a huge difference. Any change from adding a food item to reducing a food item or making a food swap can significantly improve your health. It takes time and practice to develop the healthy habits that you need to improve your diet. Working on making a small change will get you towards your new goal. The most important thing that you need to do is to believe in yourself. You can do anything. We're cheering you on!