You Are What You Eat: Achieving Your Nutrition Resolutions

The new year is here! As you welcome the prospects of 2024, many of us set goals for eating healthier and finding more nutrition in our meals. However, as weeks turn into months, these resolutions sometimes fall by the wayside. So, how can we stay on top of our nutrition goals? Here are some tips to keep you on track with your New Year’s resolutions.

Set Realistic Goals

The first step to achieving your nutrition resolutions is to set realistic goals. Instead of vowing to eliminate sugar or carbs from your diet completely, aim for more balanced changes. For instance, you might resolve to include more fruits and vegetables in your meals or reduce your intake of processed foods. These moderate goals are not only more achievable but also more sustainable in the long run.

As you make moderate, achievable goals, you can always adjust them as you become more attuned to your eating habits.

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Plan Your Meals

Planning is crucial in maintaining a healthy diet. By planning your meals ahead of time, you can ensure that you're consuming a balanced diet and avoid last-minute unhealthy food choices. Consider batch cooking or meal prepping during the weekend. This way, you'll have nutritious meals ready throughout the week.

Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating involves paying attention to what and how you eat. It means savoring each bite, recognizing your hunger and fullness cues, and appreciating your food. This practice can help you enjoy your meals more, reduce overeating, and make healthier food choices.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration plays a vital role in overall health and can even influence your eating habits. Sometimes, our bodies can mistake thirst for hunger, leading us to eat when what we need is water. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, prioritizing water over sugary drinks.

Get Moving

While diet is a significant part of nutrition, physical activity is equally important. Regular exercise burns calories and helps regulate your appetite and boost your mood, making it easier to stick to your nutrition goals.

Be Kind to Yourself

Remember that it's okay to have setbacks. What matters is not perfection but progress. Don't beat yourself up if you slip up and indulge in that extra slice of cake. Acknowledge it, enjoy it, and get back on track with your next meal. You can change goals so they are more achievable rather than failing and not trying to adjust. Be kind to yourself; you deserve it.

Professional Guidance

If you're finding it challenging to meet your nutrition resolutions, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A registered dietitian can provide personalized advice based on your dietary needs and health goals. They can help you understand food labels, make healthier choices at the grocery store, and even provide recipes and meal plans. Find a registered dietitian near you to help you achieve your goals by connecting you with the right resources.

RELATED: 3 Nutrient-Dense Foods to Add to Your Diet

The journey to better nutrition is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about making small, sustainable changes to your eating habits that you can maintain in the long run. Whether you need professional nutrition services to help you on your marathon or help achieving any of your health-related New Year’s resolutions, Antelope Valley Medical Center is here to help point you in the right direction. Visit us online to learn more about our services.