It’s that time of year, where people all over the world are redefining their goals and setting resolutions for the New Year. Shedding a few extra pounds throughout the year is one of the most popular resolutions. However, it is also the most difficult to maintain. More often than not, the weight loss goals that people set for themselves are not realistic, nor do they put physical fitness first.
In honor of Diet Resolution Week, our team will provide some tips to help you set healthy weight loss goals this year.
Eat a Balanced Diet with More Plant-based Foods
Starting each day with healthful foods such as fruits and vegetables will help you stay on track with your fitness goals. It’s fairly easy to add nutritious food and make balanced choices throughout the day. Try adding whole foods like fish, lean meats, nuts, seeds, and legumes to your meals each day.
Following the recommended dietary guidelines is a great way to ensure you are consuming the necessary nutrients for every meal. Try filling your plate with half of fruits and vegetables, a quarter of grains, and a quarter of protein for each meal.
Taking notes on what you eat throughout the day will also help you stay accountable for what you are putting in your body and how it will affect your fitness journey.
Get Active Outside the Gym
Before you decide to purchase a gym membership this year, we suggest taking small steps to boost your physical fitness. Sometimes, getting to the gym two to three times a week can be a little stressful, but there are other ways you can stay active. Taking a walk or running for 15 minutes around your neighborhood is an excellent way to add physical activity to your daily routine.
Engaging in physical activity with a group of friends or family members is another way to stay on track throughout the year. Plus, you’ll have a bunch of people to support you.
Steer Clear of Unhealthy Fad Diets
Fad diets can be extremely unhealthy for your mental and physical health. Most fad diets promise to help you lose a lot of weight in a short period of time. Though fad diets may work initially, the weight loss comes from a loss of water or lean muscle, and it’s common for people to put back on the weight in just a few weeks.
Additionally, fad diets are usually too restrictive and do not encourage improving your overall health. As a result, it’s harder to maintain weight loss, and you can potentially put your health at risk.
It’s better to put physical fitness and wellbeing at the center of your weight loss goals. We recommend steering clear of diets that promise a quick fix or impose too many restrictions. Instead, set realistic goals for your weight loss journey by making small changes every day.
At Bayless, our mental health professionals are here to support your choice for a healthy lifestyle. New patients can call Bayless Integrated Healthcare at 602-777-6337 for a free, 15-minute wellness consultation. You can also click here to make an appointment online. Remember, if you are experiencing a crisis, please call 911 immediately.