The beginning of a new year often means putting things into perspective and starting routines that we have since lacked the motivation to begin or have put on the back burner due to preparing for the holidays. We know we want to feel better, look better, and be healthy. Very rarely do we ever stick to our diet plans or our exercise routines. Then when the New Year rolls around again, we find that we have just gained weight. Why? The number one cause of weight gain is dieting.
With crash dieting, we become malnourished. Our bodies are starving for minerals and protein and with these diets, we deny the body the things it desperately needs. These mineral deficiencies can cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and even depression. Each of our brains react differently. For example, if you crave sweets you could be low in magnesium. When our bodies lack nutrients, it can manifest itself as hunger. We may be eating plateful of goodies, but until we get what our bodies need nothing will be able to fill that. If you want 2016 to be the year of the new and healthy you, here are a few tips on how to do that.
1. Eat More, Weigh Less
Did you know that on 16 ounce package of Oreos has 2200 calories? If you ate a pound of apples, papaya, or carrots then you are consuming more food and less calories. Organic fruits and vegetables are filled with fiber, folic acid, vitamin c, and many other things that our bodies need. They are also low in fat and calories.
2. Water, Water, Water
Did you know that our body is 75% water? Our body desperately needs water. It flushes out the kidneys and bladder. Studies have shown that over 75% of Americans are dehydrated. The recommended water intake is your body weight in half in ounces. So for example, if you weigh 120 pounds, your water intake would be 60 ounces. Sometimes this dehydration is often mistaken for hunger. Why are we so dehydrated? One thing that is huge in America is soft drinks. Soft drinks are one of the worst things you can put into your body. They are full of citric acid and sugar. Even coffee or any drinks that contain alcohol dehydrate the body.
3. Know What Foods to Avoid
If you are having trouble losing weight you could have a food sensitivity. When we are consuming food that we are sensitive to, our bodies become inflamed. When our bodies are inflamed, it causes us to store more fat- mostly around the belly. Checking to see if you have any food sensitivities is highly recommended. Eating foods that we are dark green, plant-based and high in fiber can help fight the inflammation and make weight loss easy.
4. Exercise
This word use to make me cringe inside, but exercise is important. Besides losing weight, exercise has several other benefits. We sleep better, it’s a good way to de-stress, we have more energy, and better posture. Studies have shown that if you are depressed, exercising can help. If you hate to exercise, then it’s time to make it fun. Playing your favorite ball game, boxing, dancing, or even yoga are fun ways to get moving.
Sticking to change is hard. 92% of people do not keep their New Year’s resolutions. It’s important to realize that we only live one life and the quality of life we live is up to us. When we are healthy, we are happier. So often we allow the stress of our jobs or life to take over, causing the cycle of unhappiness and poor health to set in. Being a healthier and happier you is a much better way to go through 2016.
