Kicking Off A Healthy New Year

By Lucy Ta, Registered Dietitian, Beverly Hospital Montebello, California

“New year, new me.” How many times have you heard a family member, a coworker, a friend, or an acquaintance make this comment? Each year, millions of people make New Year’s resolution. Many of these resolutions are wellness-related, such as losing weight, eating healthier, or exercising more. Here are a few wellness guidelines that we suggest for the new year:  

1. Practice Mindful Eating

• • Try to keep your eyes off of the TV or phone while eating, distracted eating often leads to overeating
  • Slow down, pay attention to the food you are eating, pause between bites
  • Listen to your body for hunger and fullness cues (eat when you are hungry, stop when you are full)
  • Through mindful eating, you will more than likely enjoy the foods that you eat

2. Aim to eat the color of the rainbow daily

• • Fruit and vegetable are packed full of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals
  • Try incorporating a serving of fruit or vegetable into meals and snacks
  • Meal prep ahead of time to know exactly what you are eating
  • Visit the farmer’s market to see what is fresh and in season
  • Ethnic markets usually sell fruits and vegetables at a cheaper price

3. Drink more water

• • Drinking enough water prevents dehydration, which can lead to fatigue
  • Many health benefits of drinking water, such as regulating body temperature, getting rid of waste, cushioning joints, and helping to protect organs and tissues
  • Drink water if you are hungry as thirst is often confused with hunger
  • Try replacing sweetened beverages with water
  • Bring a water bottle when you’re out, leave one on your desk or car to remind yourself to drink more water

4. Find different ways to be active

• • Use your breaks to take a quick walk around the building, block, parking lot, etc.
  • Use the stairs instead of the elevator
  • Park further away to encourage walking
  • Moving and lifting objects count as physical activity
  • Find time to walk 30 minutes throughout your day (breaks, walking the dog, park, etc.)
  • Find a family member, friend, or coworker to do a physical activity with
  • Sign up for a class or gym membership

At the end of the day, it matters what we do and what we put into our bodies. While we tend to set some unrealistic goals, it is important remember that developing healthier habits is what will help us reach our goals. Want to find FREE exercise classes or lectures on health topics? Check out Beverly Hospital’s event calendar: https://beverly.org/events