Healthy Food Habits to Start the New Year

2018 is here and it’s time to make sure our resolutions are followed through. There might be a long list to consider, but one thing that everyone wants to make sure is to be healthier and happier in the year to come. When it comes to being healthier, a lot depends on the kind of food you eat and the lifestyle you follow. So if you are looking to revamp your food habits in the next year, here are a few tried and tested tips I would recommend:

Pack variety in your daily diet

The best way to give yourself a kick start in the New Year is to pack variety in your daily diet. Balance your nutrients, with plenty of protein and vitamins, healthy carbs, and minerals in your daily menu. I suggest at least five servings of fresh fruits and veggies in a day, with precedence to high-antioxidant sources such as berries and leafy greens. Look for some colour in your plate as coloured foods are high in anti-oxidants.

Be selective with your fats

Who says that fats are always unhealthy!! Learn to differentiate between “good” fat and “bad” fat so that you can be selective. I have experienced the difference after switching over to the healthier options such as olive oil and coconut oil. Omega-3s are the healthiest form that you can get from sardines, salmon, walnuts and almonds. On the other hand, keep away from processed foods that are high in unhealthy trans-fats.

Start the day with a healthy breakfast

If you have been ditching your breakfast in the last year, it’s time to start having a hearty one now. Believe me, you are not doing any favour to yourself by missing your daily bowl of cereal. A full breakfast keeps you satiated and gives you all the energy you need through the day. At the same time, it prevents hunger pangs, which is great news for weight-watchers.

Go low on sugar and salt

This year, cut down on your sugar and salt intake so that you can curb weight gain and bloating. This healthy habit can also alleviate the risk of chronic health issues such as diabetes and hypertension too. Substitute this with healthier options such as honey, rock salt and spices. Try out healthier recipes with these healthier ingredients and who knows, you may come up with a stellar one!

Be generous with water

And, the best resolution that you can make for a healthier 2018, is to increase your daily water intake to at least 10 glasses. Water is a superb natural detoxifying agent and does wonders for your digestion, skin, hair, and the entire body. Opt for water instead of drinking energy drinks, flavoured juices and sodas. Warm water after meals makes a great way to digest food faster and easier.

Aren’t these food habits simple to adopt? Yes, they are and most amazingly, the changes they can bring are really, really effective. And most importantly, combine them with regular exercise and healthy lifestyle to have a great year 2018.