New Year, New Me: 4 New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Year

The inner resolution to be healthier, fitter and happier can be completely reborn with the New Year. Keep your promises to yourself about this year being different and set out to reach your goals and attain a healthy year.

Before you say you want to lose ‘x’ number of pounds, think about what you can do every day to make that end goal a reality. To avoid giving up on your resolution before winter’s end, make your goals small stepping stones that lead to an overall better lifestyle that will help you to lose weight, eat right, feel good and have an all-around healthy year.

We’re talking about setting and achieving realistic New Year’s resolutions that are highly effective in obtaining a healthier lifestyle day-to-day, so you can have your best year yet!

Here are four reachable resolutions to help with a healthy year:

1. Wake up earlier and eat breakfast.

The early bird gets the worm for a reason, and it’s because they’re more likely to be proactive, happier and focused. Early risers enjoy many health benefits which can help you achieve your goals for the year. According to Women’s Health Magazine, studies show a reduced risk of depression, an increase of positive moods and improved proactivity among those who wake up early.

Not to mention, people who go to bed later and wake later were found to have a larger body mass index and consumed, on average, more calories than the early birds. Getting up early with time to eat a healthy breakfast is a healthy habit you should develop to jumpstart your metabolism on a daily basis.

2. Try strength training to reboot your fitness routine.

Just like your mind, your body gets bored with the same routine, meaning you might not see results from your regular workouts anymore. Start something new such as strength training or weight lifting activities to help tone your body and increase your calorie burn.

Findings published in Science Daily explain that adults trying to lose weight should focus on weight training rather than cardio. The study showed that people who combined diet and weight training lost seven more pounds over an 18-month period than those who focused on diet alone. You’ll also burn calories for up to 48 hours after your strength training—whereas you only enjoy this benefit for a mere 30 minutes after cardio. If you’re looking to trim down and get healthier this year, you may want to spend more time in the weight room than on the treadmill.

3. Increase your protein intake by eating seeds.

Protein is essential for providing your body with energy, but it’s also a great way to make your stomach feel fuller for longer. Protein helps avoid snacking and other poor diet decisions. A study done by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition showed that an increased protein intake of about 15% resulted in a decrease in hunger and an increase in weight loss in patients.

Seeds are an amazing (and easy) source of protein which you can add to just about any meal for an extra boost of protein and power. Use seeds as little protein powerhouses to top your salads, oatmeal, yogurt, chicken and more.

4. Engage in mindfulness to reach your goals.

From Buddhist tradition comes mindfulness, which begs us to focus on the now and live in the present. Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as a deep breathing exercise or as complex as a meditation retreat. Patrick Reynolds , founder of Kenzai, teaches the use of mindfulness and healthy long-term habits in helping attain fitness and all-around well-being goals. Engaging in mindful activities allows you to uncover hidden potential in many aspects of your health and fitness journey, making it easier for you to become your healthiest and best self.