6 Healthy Eating Resolutions For The New Year

#1 Replace Not Remove

Every January millions of Americans are eager to set healthier eating goals. But, the excitement quickly fades and people tend to fall back into old habits.

This year try making small, easy changes to help you increase your odds of being successful. 

Start by replacing less healthy foods instead of removing them altogether. When we 'remove' foods from our diets we can feel deprived and our desire to feel fulfilled eventually wins out over our resolution for change. Try thinking of it as a way to 'enhance' your diet as opposed to a deprivation or punishment.

As an alternative to regular pasta try whole wheat pasta or veggie noodles. Instead of using regular rice or having mashed potatoes try riced cauliflower or mashed cauliflower. 

#2 Give Yourself Grace

Don't aim to be perfect. Aiming for perfection in your diet will quickly lead most people to burnout. When burnout sets in most people quit. One mistake or slip-up isn't the end of the world. You are human. Give yourself some grace and get back to your plan.

Giving in to an occasional craving may even help you stick with your healthier eating plan longer as you won't feel so 'deprived'. Just be careful not to overindulge. Stick with smaller portion and enjoy yourself.

#3 Focus On Small & Simple

Small, simple changes add up over time. For instance - drinking water can have a tremendously positive effect on your overall health. Water helps promote a feeling of fullness to help keep us from overindulging and may even trim calorie intake.

Did you know many people confuse thirst with hunger? Drinking infused water is a great way to keep up with your water intake and add flavor to help keep you from getting bored while increasing your water intake. 

#4 Try New Things

One healthy and sustainable resolution could be to try one new healthy recipe or one new vegetable each week. It'll keep you our of a dinner-time rut and will expand your family's eating horizons. 

One way you can start incorporating new recipes and ingredients this year is by starting a Meatless Monday tradition or trying ancient grains like quinoa, barley, sorghum, spelt, or amaranth instead of rice.

#5 Keep Your Eye On The Prize

Yes, we all want to look great. However, this type of motivation doesn't usually last. Think about living healthier and how it can improve your overall health and life. Easting well helps shed pounds, give us more energy, improves our moods, and extends our lives.

#6 Plan Ahead

One way to help keep yourself on track is to plan ahead. Write out a weekly menu plan and shop accordingly. 

You'll be more likely to keep your resolution when you gather recipes and keep ingredients on hand for those busy nights when your plans get derailed.