As we approach the end of January, many New Year’s Resolutions are starting to fade away. The problem might not be your own will and motivation; however, so many resolutions never make it to February because they were never created to be attainable for you. They were destined to fail from the start. Instead of banning sugar or throwing out all alcohol, here are three resolutions I would love to see more of my clients striving for in 2022.
1. Eat more plants.
Rather than cutting out food groups, consider adding in my favorite one. Eating more vegetables doesn’t have to mean bland salads for every meal. Take time to try new vegetables and vegetable recipes. Roast them, air-fry them, dip them in hummus or blend into a smoothie. Curb your sweet tooth with fresh fruit. The fiber content in fruits and vegetables is super high, which will keep you feeling full for longer. Not to mention, you’ll be providing your body with tons of other vitamins and minerals by incorporating more plants into snacks and meals.
2. Be mindful at mealtime.
Set the table, turn your phone off, and mute the television. Whatever it is, focus on being more intentional to focus on mealtimes rather than rushing them—not multitasking while eating has so many proven benefits, including longer satiation and an increased ability to recognize hunger and fullness cues. Some tips to be mindful of include taking smaller bites of food and setting your utensils down in between bites. Being more intentional with your meals will also encourage more fulfilling conversations with those surrounding you at the table!
3. Start a garden!
For those of you with the outdoor space, start a small garden! It doesn’t have to be some elaborate or fancy setup. Visit your local nursery and shop around. Buy what you enjoy eating, whether herbs or vegetables, or fruits. Experience the fresh taste of homegrown foods while saving you a little money with inflated grocery prices.
Resolutions don’t have to be extreme, and they don’t have to set you up to fail. Focus on setting goals that encourage balance, gentle nutrition, and positive lifestyle additions.