Jan 4, 2017 7 min read

Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

Notice: Trying to get property 'term_id' of non-object in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is behind us, and all that’s left are the New Year’s Resolutions you made last month that you vowed to keep this year.

If the resolutions you made for yourself are anything like those that many others make, they likely have something to do with getting in shape, eating a healthy diet and assuming a more positive outlook on your life.

But before you take a “one size fits all” approach to achieving optimum health, Robin Janis, CLC, CWLC, owner of Abundant Life Coaching, advises that you take some time and decide what a healthy lifestyle looks like and means to you.

“What is healthy and fit to someone else is not a standard you are required to follow,” Janis says. “The biggest key to being healthy and staying fit is realizing your definition of health and wellness, and what you would like to change, and what you are willing and ready to do to create the changes you seek.”

She also offered these tips to help make 2017 your best year yet:

1 Keep food real.

There is a lot of “information overload” in the field of nutrition for the body, and again, what works best for one person may not work the best for you. But indeed, what works best for everyone, in general, is to eat real, unprocessed organic food whenever possible, while reducing carbohydrates.

2 Kick the sugar.

“Sugar is the anti-nutrient” that breaks down the body’s immune defenses, making it the main source of disease,” Janis says. “Your body is designed to grow healthy new cells that keep you healthy. Sugar prevents the body from doing its job.”

3 Move your body every day.

Exercise has been proven to provide many health benefits, including cardiovascular health, decreasing anxiety and depression, building bone density, and even creating new brain cells.

4 Drink water.

Did you know that some parts of your body are more than 70 percent water? Water is necessary for your body and mind to function at its highest level. Drinking pure water helps your body flush out toxins, moisturize the skin and your complexion, reduce your appetite and raise your metabolism. Water also helps to stop leg cramps, lubricates the joints, and reduces the frequency of headaches. Drink up!

5 Make yourself a priority.

Between work, family and obligations, people just can’t seem to find the time to take care of themselves. But you have to make the time. Take time to breathe. Even set your phone alarm to remind you to take five deep breaths a few times a day. Give yourself permission to say no to some things that are draining your life force.

You vowed to eat healthier, more satisfying and good-for-you foods that will help you feel better, have more energy and please your body. Lindsay Schmitz, MS, RD, LDN, owner of Live Smarter Nutrition & Wellness, offers the following advice to help.

6 Take some time to look in your pantry and refrigerator.

Pick five packages that are not a single item food (almonds, oats, etc.). Look at the ingredient list. If the list is a mile long and/or there are ingredients you do not understand, consider buying a healthier version of this product the next time you shop.

7 Ask yourself before eating, “Am I hungry?”

Do not eat because it is “lunchtime” or “dinner time.” Eat because your body needs fuel to continue on your day.

8 Slow down the pace of eating.

Quit before you feel full or stuffed. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that your body is getting food. When your brain gets this message, you stop feeling hungry. Slow down and give your brain a chance to get the word.

9 Use a side-sized plate instead of a dinner plate.

Many times, we eat with our eyes instead of our stomach. You may be overeating without even realizing it.

10 If you consume diet drinks, consider weaning or completely eliminating them.

Research shows that diet drinks can increase cravings for sweets and change the balance of gut bacteria favoring glucose intolerance, which contributes to diabetes and obesity.

Finally, if your main goal is to up your exercise game, Christine Parker, owner of FitHouse, offers these tips to help make getting in shape easier and more fun.

11 Set a realistic goal.

Sometimes it’s hard to get started with something when you don’t know where you are going! Setting a realistic goal that involves milestones can be just what you need to stay motivated and on track.

12 Make it a routine.

We thrive on routine and consistency. When you create a regular routine that you follow daily, weekly or monthly, you are a lot more likely to stick to it even on the days that you don’t really feel like it.

13 Find a tribe.

Part of being healthy is being social. Exercising with a friend or a group can help keep you more accountable and give you an extra reason to want to wake up an hour earlier.

14 Make sure it’s fun.

If you are going to stick with something, you should enjoy it. Find a form of exercise that is enjoyable to you and will help you reach your goals.

15 Don’t talk trash.

Often our biggest obstacle is the voice in our heads. We all hear it at times. “This is too hard for me,” or “I’m not strong enough,” or even “I’m too busy and tired.” The trash talk will take over if we let it. Start each day with a positive affirmation, and there won’t be any room for negative thoughts to creep in.

16 Join a challenge.

When we add a little competition to the mix, we often push our limits and do things that we normally would not do. FitHouse hosts a variety of challenges including weight loss, clean eating and class attendance. Working together to achieve a goal can provide extra accountability, motivation and support.

17 Keep it personal.

We all agree that no two people are the same. When it comes to fitness and our bodies, this idea is often overlooked. Sometimes people push too hard, too fast, and try to make up time for a period when they didn’t exercise or in an attempt to meet unrealistic expectations. Every body should exercise, but not every type of exercise is right for every body. A certified personal trainer can help you understand what is right for you.