New Year, New You?

A New Year's resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere but also found in the Eastern Hemisphere, in which a person resolves to change an undesired trait or behavior, to accomplish a personal goal or otherwise improve their life.  Unfortunately, only 8 percent of people actually achieve their New Year's resolutions. So, instead of joining the 92%, do your best to focus on realistic and meaningful improvements! The following tips will help create a healthy foundation for the new year.  

1. Drink half your body weight in water - For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, that would be 75 to 150 ounces of water a day. If this is out of your comfort zone, start smaller! Aim to increase your average intake by one glass (8oz)/day for the next week!
2. Add one new healthy food each week - trying new foods can be overwhelming. There are so many to choose from! Where do you start? How do you prepare them? Breathe. Pick one new food each week or make it a family activity! Rotate through family/household members to explore new to you fruits and veggies!
3. Experiment with spices - sauces and dips can add excessive amounts of calories and fats to your meals.  Explore using spice blends as alternatives! They are lower in calories and add health-boosting properties!
4. Use wholesome and natural items for household cleansers - Studies have shown that using a household cleaning spray, even as little as once a week, raises the risk of developing asthma.
5. Meditate for 10 minutes early morning - studies suggest that meditation helps combat depression and anxiety, while others say that regular meditation may improve pain tolerance. The benefits of meditation are enhanced when your mind is free and clear before the stresses of the day have crept in.
6. Be active daily - Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores
7. Sit less today -- stand while working with a standing desk, pace during conference calls and walk at lunchtime.
8. Slow down your eating by taking at least 20 minutes to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner (it takes 20 minutes to feel fullness).

Cheers to a healthy and happy new year!