Popular new year resolutions usually center on bettering our bodies inside and out. An important factor in that aspect is what we eat and drink. It not only affects weight, but body image, mental health, and overall self-confidence.
A nutritional resolution can be a fun and easy way to bring on the new year. Not only will you achieve weight/dietary goals, trying different foods and methods of eating them will result in a healthier body and mind. Here are some nutritional resolutions for each month of the new year.
January
Intermediate Fasting Challenge: This can be a good resolution to start with because it can train the mind and body to develop better eating habits to continue to use throughout the year. Set a fixed six- or eight-hour window of when to eat all your meals, between noon and 8 p.m. for example. This also helps decrease midnight snacking.
February
Sugar-Free Challenge: It might be hard considering Valentine chocolates will be passed around, but that’s why it’s called a challenge, right?
March
Fruit/Veggie Challenge: Incorporate some form of them in every meal. Using them as sides or making healthy smoothies are great and tasty ways to keep up the challenge.
April
Low-Carb Diet: This is a low-carb diet, not a no-carb diet. There are plenty of good carbs like whole grains and sweet potatoes. This is just a way to limit intake of simple carbs.
May
Alcohol-Free Challenge: According to a study published in the American Journal of Nutrition, alcohol contributes to increased food intake.
June
Vegan/Vegetarian Challenge: This resolution can be a hard one because it is no easy feat to cut out an entire food group. But if done right, you could have a whole new way of eating and thinking ahead of you. Just be prepared to take supplements for the holes in your diet.
July
Macro Counting: According to Rami Abramov on Tasteaholics, this is a more exact way of counting your intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to help lose, gain, or maintain weight.
August
Snack-Free Challenge: Similar to the sugar-free challenge, this is where you completely cut out fatty foods and drinks like sodas, desserts, and snacks. This will also help the wallet at the grocery store.
September
Smoothie Challenge: Try pre-making smoothies to store in the freezer to replace breakfast each day. This will also help if you are on the go and need something quick.
October
One Ingredient Meals: According to Rami Abramov on Tasteaholics, this is a more exact way of counting your intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to help lose, gain, or maintain weight.
November
Daily Tea: There are plenty of teas with many different benefits that are a good source of ingredients that promote a healthy body.
December
Keto Diet: This is a low carb, high fat diet. When done correctly, the body will enter a state of ketosis, during which it burns fat instead of carbohydrates.
Written by: Alex Dunn
Health Life Magazine 