Nine Ways To Be Healthier Today

Help your shoppers get a jumpstart on the New Year, and suggest these minor adjustments for healthier living!

It’s almost the New Year and that means shoppers are going to be resolving to improve their health and most likely trying new foods and a new exercise regime. It’s never too early to start making changes; here are nine tips to share with shoppers to help reinvigorate their health routines:

Vary your fitness schedule. If you've been walking, try jogging. If you’ve been using light weights, increase your repetitions or try new exercises. By varying your routine, you’ll not only keep yourself from becoming bored, you’ll challenge your body in new ways.

Try something new. Sign up for a healthy cooking class, try some seasonal fruits and vegetables at the grocery store you haven’t tried before. You will definitely find something new you like, just be persistent!

Add little snippets of exercise into your day. Park far from your office building entrance or get off the subway/bus a stop or two early. Walk your memo around the building instead of e-mailing it. Every little bit counts.

Make sure to eat a nutritious breakfast every day. Try a 1-2-3 punch of a little protein to wake you up a little carbohydrate for instant energy and a little fat to feel satisfied. Scrambled eggs with spinach and whole wheat toast will do the trick!

Create a power lunch. Instead of pasta specials or multi-layer sandwiches, build your plate around salads, veggies and 3 ounces of protein. You’ll lighten your calories and avoid a mid-afternoon slump.

If you’ve slipped up a bit on your weight loss plans, don’t give up. Try these easy ways to get back on track (and they can be applied to more that just weight loss):

Make a plan, be specific and realistic. Instead of vowing to go to the gym “more often,” write in a gym appointment for Monday, Wednesday and Friday on your calendar.

Set realistic goals. Add an extra fruit or vegetable to your day, take a “walk break” instead of a “coffee break” at work, or set aside 30 minutes a week to de-stress in healthy ways. 

Expect progress, not perfection. It takes practice to develop new habits. Give yourself a break when you slip up, and make your lapse a learning for the next time.

Don’t deprive, thrive. Use a moderate approach when choosing the foods you eat and preparing your meals. Pay attention to portion size; balance higher-calorie foods with lower-calorie ones and you can still enjoy all your favorites.