New Year, Fresh Start: Improve your fitness lifestyle in 2020 with these helpful tips
EEW Magazine // Health & Fitness
We’re still in the early stages of 2020, and it’s the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. When the New Year comes, many say, I’m going to eat better or I’m going to start going to the gym again.
But within a few weeks, the healthy resolutions often fizzle out, and then they’re back to their usual habits. Don’t let that be you. Make healthy changes to your daily habits that will pay off not just in the short term but in the long run too.
Here are some tips to help you live better in 2020 and beyond:
Focus on whole foods
Food is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. It can fuel your busy life, but if you eat the wrong foods, they can hold you back from reaching your potential. A 2017 study from Harvard researchers found that healthy diets linked to longer lifespans contained similar essential elements — whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and fish or Omega-3 fatty acids. When you can, eat organic food that’s free of pesticides, chemicals and additives.
When choosing fruit, eat more berries. They aren’t as high in sugar and don’t spike your insulin. Plus, they’re tasty and super nutritious! Your body will thank you “berry” much.
Choose the right diet for you
You’ve probably heard a lot about the keto diet, which is higher in fats and proteins and low in carbs, and the paleo diet, which centers around lean meats, fruits and veggies, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats and oils. Keto, paleo, Protein+ and plant-based eating plans are all good. Just remember to talk to your doctor first, and keep in mind that a diet needs to be the right fit for your needs. So do lots of research before committing to any major dietary changes. What works for one dieter might not work for another.
Quality over calories
Traditional diets are often focused on calorie counting. But many reduced-calorie foods actually contain hidden carbohydrates, sugars and sweeteners. And the last thing you need in your diet is high fructose corn syrup! The key to a great diet isn’t depriving yourself of food, it’s about eating high-quality food that satisfies your hunger. Instead of calorie counting then inevitably snacking later, focus on foods that will help you maintain your diet while also making you feel full.
Here are some good suggestions:
Salmon and broccoli
Chicken and rice
Salad with olive oil dressing;
A bowl of Greek yogurt and blueberries, or a handful of almonds.
And make sure to always choose water over sugary drinks!
Establish an exercise plan – and stick with it
Your diet is only one aspect of your healthy approach to 2020. Be sure to get that heart pumping by doing exercises you love, whether that’s dancing, walking, or a DVD program from an exercise guru. Also, if you want to supercharge your fitness, add light weights and strength training. But whatever you choose, the key is being consistent, and that will help you burn off calories, improve your mood, and give you more energy.
Be realistic about your fitness goals. You might struggle early on, and it’ll take some time to find your groove. Don’t expect to run a marathon right away if you’re just settling into your fitness routine — instead, set measurable, attainable goals that will help you keep making progress.
You can do it! Here’s to a fresh start on your health in 2020.
