Already have an account?
Get back to the
Health

4 Tips to Help You Take Charge of Your Health in the New Year

Want to overhaul your diet for the new year but not sure where to begin?

Why not kick off your good intentions with these four food habits that will keep you on track no matter the circumstance? Get ready to take charge of your health and well-being this year!

1. Make a meal plan.

It’s much easier to eat well if you have all the ingredients on hand.

Make a meal plan for the week and do it as a family so everyone feels involved, and write a list. Then do one big shop (or shop online if you’re pushed); this saves time during the week and solves that “what do we eat tonight?” decision each day.

2. Always carry a water bottle.

We all know the importance of staying hydrated.

Harvard Health says six to eight cups of water a day is ideal. However, it does vary from person to person, so check with your GP, especially if you have health conditions like thyroid disease or kidney, liver, and heart problems. Having water on you means you’re less likely to choose a sugary option to quench your thirst.

3. Eat the rainbow.

Include green, orange, red, blue/purple, and yellow produce in your daily diet. These fruit and veggies are packed with nutrients and fiber, and may help to protect against some cancers and other illnesses.

4. Enjoy your food.

This message may have been lost among all the dos and don’ts and fad diets. Sharing and finding joy in food — including cooking together — is a mainstay of cultures around the globe. Sitting around a table with friends and family is a great stress reliever, it teaches children to be social, and it’s an oasis in which to catch up during a busy week.

Why not teach your children how to make some of their favorite healthy family meals? They’ll find it will come in handy later in life.

This article was originally written by Now to Love editors. For more, check out our sister site, Now to Love.

More From Woman’s World

This ‘Non-Diet’ Can Help You Shed Pounds While Still Indulging on All Your Favorite Foods

What Are the Health Benefits of Alcohol?

How to Drop 11 Pounds Fast by Drinking Iced Tea

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items. Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Use escape to exit the menu. Use up and down arrow keys to explore. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list.