While slimming down is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, it is often easier said than done. Making the switch from the calorie and fat-laden temptations that lure us during the six-week-long holiday fest can be quite difficult. If you’re planning to start your new year off with a pledge to lose weight, keep these tips in mind to help you ease into your resolution the healthy way.
Extra weight is just another symptom of gut health gone awry. When your gut is unhealthy, inflammation, blood sugar imbalance, and other issues arise and then affect all the other systems of the body. Get your gut healthy and your body will release the extra weight/inflammation.
Cold Turkey Won’t Work?
Cutting everything out cold turkey is one of the most common techniques for approaching a new eating plan; however, doing so may well spell disaster for a good-intentioned plan. Instead of putting yourself on such a restrictive regimen right after the holidays, consider options that will allow you to ease into a healthy eating lifestyle. Take it from this long-time food/sugar addict, this will increase your chances of sticking with your resolution and achieving success.
Say No to Fried Foods
Start by opting for foods that are grilled, roasted, baked, or broiled instead of fried. This one technique will allow you to cut out a large number of calories as well as fat. Don’t be afraid to add a little zing with some healthy, low-fat or fat-free sauces (here, Google can help you out – there are tons of healthy recipes online!). Herbs and spices can also go a long way toward livening up grilled and roasted foods.
Fruits and Vegetables Are a Must
Most people do not eat nearly as many fruits and vegetables as they should. Besides the fact that fruits and veggies are rich in healthy vitamins, minerals, and fiber; they are also a good way to fill up without loading up with calories and fat. Fifty percent of your plate should be vegetables: cooked, raw, or both. I recommend 2 servings of fruit per day tops; zero to one serving if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic.
Look for ways that you can incorporate fruits and vegetables into your eating regimen. Vegetable soups make a great dinner or lunch solution on a cold wintry day. Salads are easy and quick to pack for lunch with a low-cal dressing. Top it with some grilled chicken and you’ve got a quick dinner solution as well.
Repair Your Gut
Cravings, inflammation and so much more can be caused by an overgrowth of candida yeast and/or bad bacteria. It’s time to get this imbalance resolved! Once that happens you’ll see what a balanced, healthy gut can do for you. Message me for information on my gut repair system.
Stay Hydrated
Finally, resist the temptation to reach for a cup of coffee, tea, or diet soda and grab a bottle of water instead. Add some lemon or lime juice for flavor if needed. This much needed essential nutrient helps your body to flush out toxins; and in the end, it can help you to lose more weight faster.
Walk Your Health Journey With Me
I have a fun, inspiring and supportive 60-day Health and Hope Challenge coming up, starting January 11th (prep week starts the 4th). Last January’s challenge was so successful, we are doing it again! We do this in small groups that encourage/support each other with things like getting to bed at a decent hour, drinking our water, getting 20 minutes of movement in, taking supplements consistently, etc. in a very simple, fun way. I benefited greatly from it and I know I need accountability for me to show up for me. Would you like to join me?
If so, comment below, or message me here and we will walk our health journeys together!
[RECIPE] Holiday Coconut Champagne Cocktail
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 2 oz of plain coconut water
- 1 oz of vodka
- 1 oz of champagne
- 7 grapes
Directions:
- Refrigerate coconut water until ready to serve.
- Mix 2 ounces of plain coconut water with 1 ounce of vodka.
- Add in 7 grapes and 1 ounce of champagne.
- Top with additional coconut water if needed. Enjoy!
To Your Health,
Patti
