4 Easy Health Tips for the New Year

Drink Water –

We all know water is good for us, yet still find ourselves reaching for a diet coke
or latte. I personally find water boring, so I used to rarely drink it. Then I discovered just how
many health benefits drinking water has. Increased energy, weight loss, improved skin
complexion, immunity, headache remedy – the list is long. So, I started mixing sparkling mineral water (Pellegrino) with a squeeze of lemon. I have now replaced fruit juices and pretty much everything else with this delicious combination. Another issue I have is drinking enough water throughout the day. I fill my water water bottle with ice water in the AM and bring it with me wherever I go during the day – refilling as needed. I find proximity and ease of access to be key. I’ve lost a few water bottles along the way, but I am feeling much more hydrated!

Go to the “Barre” –

Commit to a fitness goal this year. Aside from the multitudes of health
benefits, exercise just makes you feel good - good about your body and good about yourself. I have been taking barre classes at Pure Barre for the past year and I am obsessed. Barre is ballet-inspired, but feels more like an intense Pilates class. It’s a low-impact, easy on the joints and great for all ages. Whether it is a barre class, yoga, running or training at a gym, incorporating some form of strength building and cardio into your lifestyle will make
differences not only in your physical health, but in your mental health as well.

Eat for your Health –

Extreme diets are nearly impossible to maintain and usually harsh on the
body. Eliminating whole food groups can rob you of essential nutrients. In my opinion, mindful food selection and portion control are the keys to long-term weight loss and nutrition. A plant based diet (vegetables and fruit) accented by lean proteins and whole grains is, to me, the best long-term goal. The body will perform based on the fuel you put into it. The cleaner and more nutritious the fuel, the stronger and superior the performance. There is a lot of research that shows the healing effects of food and disease prevention associated with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Of course, the occasional splurge (cookies, wine, French fries) for me is essential, but when you mainly choose food for health, I find weight loss will follow.

Take Care of Yourself –

When your goal is to take care of yourself – the above resolutions
become much easier to sustain. For most of my life, I based my food and exercise decisions on weight loss and instant gratification. As I age, I have begun to realize the gift that my body is and the task I have to care for it. Sure, I am going to enjoy myself and eat pizza with my family or eat French toast and drink mimosas at brunch. But, those occasions are exactly that – occasions. In my daily life, I strive to eat for my health and exercise. Not only are these things good for my physical body, they are just as nourishing for my soul. This year, if you do nothing else - try to take care of you more.