With 2020 fast approaching, many of us seem to make the same New Year’s resolutions as the previous year – eat healthier, exercise regularly and lose weight.
But Sydney nutritionist Jessica Sepel has shared the eight simple ‘healthy resolutions’ you can make without dieting or marathon workout sessions.
‘This will help you create a healthier relationship with food and your body, and make you more likely to smash your goals,’ she said on her blog.
Sydney nutritionist Jessica Sepel (pictured) has shared the eight simple ‘healthy resolutions’ you can make without dieting or marathon workout sessions
1. Readjust your mindset around health
Every year, many want to start a healthy lifestyle in the New Year – but our resolution often seems to swiftly wither away.
‘Start to see health as a long-term lifestyle, not just a short-term phase or quick fix,’ she said.
Jessica suggested making small tweaks each week such as things you can implement on an ‘ongoing basis’ like cutting your coffee intake by one cup per day.
She said you should ‘let go of numbers’ and avoid counting calories or carbs – and instead focus on eating enough nutrients and whole foods.
2. Don’t skip meals
Jessica explained that skipping meals can actually lead to binge eating and create a ‘negative relationship with food’.
Instead, she suggested eating regularly and include all the food groups for every meal – carbs, protein, fats and fibre.
Jessica suggested finding a workout you actually love and enjoy instead of punishing yourself with gruelling exercises
3. Make healthy swaps
Instead of depriving yourself of the foods you love, Jessica said simply make ‘healthy swaps’ so you can supercharge every meal for added benefits.
She suggested switching white bread or pasta for the wholegrain varieties.
‘Never restrict yourself by aiming to eat “perfectly” – there is no such thing as a perfect diet, and we want to avoid feeling deprived or limited,’ she said.
4. Cook at home regularly
Rather than eating out and ordering takeaway meals, Jessica said you should try cooking at home regularly to ensure you nourish your body with wholesome foods.
5. Create a healthier relationship with your body
Jessica said you should learn to reconnect your body with ‘what it wants and thrives off’ such as doing yoga, scheduling in downtime and listening to your body.
‘Reconnecting to your body will help you make healthier choices, and maintain a long-term healthy lifestyle focusing on nourishment, not punishment,’ she said.
Jessica suggested making small tweaks each week such as things you can implement on an ‘ongoing basis’ like cutting your coffee intake by one cup per day
Instead of depriving yourself of the foods you love, Jessica said simply make ‘healthy swaps’ so you can supercharge every meal for added benefits
6. Drink more water
It’s an obvious advice yet many still forget to drink enough water throughout the day.
‘This is underrated – it has such a massive impact on your health. Carry a bottle with you at all times, and drink consistently throughout the day,’ she said.
7. Embrace rest
Jessica said stress contributes to poor gut health and a ‘whole range of diseases’ so it’s essential to give your body time to rest and recover.
She suggested taking rest days from exercising, read a book, schedule in time to see friends, give yourself a break from social media or even take a nap.
8. Ditch strict workout sessions
Jessica suggested finding a workout you actually love and enjoy instead of punishing yourself with gruelling exercises.
‘Whether that’s yoga, Pilates, boxing, HIIT or boot camp, move in a way that makes you love and appreciate your body,’ she said.