The beginning of a new year is a great time to make healthy lifestyle changes, give up bad habits, and improve your well-being. It’s no wonder that many people celebrate the New Year by resolving to get healthier. The most popular New Year’s resolutions include getting more mindfulness, exercise, losing weight, and eating a healthier diet.
Developing a realistic plan this year will enable you to strengthen your physical and mental health. Here are some steps you can take to get healthier in the year ahead and achieve your health goals:
- Lose weight and keep it off
A resolution to lose weight is one of the most important steps you can take toward better health. According to Steven Santiago, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, “Losing just five to ten percent of your body weight can help lower your risk of chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.”
If you haven’t exercised for a while, going to a gym every day may not be a realistic goal. Making a resolution to simply add more physical activity into your daily life is more attainable. Park farther away from the entrance to the grocery store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and exercise while you watch TV.
- Eat a healthy diet
Healthy eating involves both what you eat and how you eat it. Getting your recommended servings of fruits and vegetables each day is important because fruits and veggies are low in calories and fat, high in fiber, and rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Foods that contain fiber keep you feeling full, which helps you lose weight.
Gloria Cabral RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist at Care Resource also adds that, “Eating too fast can cause you to overeat, so slow down and chew each bite carefully. Turn off the TV, put your phone away, and enjoy the textures and flavors of the meal. As you eat, it can take your brain up to 20 minutes to get the message from your stomach that you’re no longer hungry, so stop eating before you feel full.”
- Schedule an annual checkup
Seeing your primary care doctor each year and taking advantage of your preventive care benefits can help you stay healthy. Regular checkups and preventive screenings allow your doctor to identify minor health issues before they become bigger problems.
- Take steps to reduce stress
Learning how to manage stress is an important part of taking care of yourself and maintaining good overall mental and physical health. If your stress is getting out of control, simple activities like practicing breathing exercises, going for a walk, or listening to music can help restore calm to your life.
- Get more sleep
Good quality sleep boosts your immune system and promotes emotional wellness by giving your mind time to rest and recharge. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a quiet sleep environment can help you get the sleep you need.
Our medical providers can address primary care concerns, including cardiovascular health, sleep issues, mental health, and nutrition. To make an appointment, please visit careresource.org or call (305) 576-1234.
Let’s keep our eyes on the year ahead. Integrating exercise and nutritious food is a preventative health practice that protects our hearts and minds. With the support provided by Care Resource’s medical providers, our community can rest assured that they will attain their New Year’s resolutions.
About Care Resource:
Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations.
