Words Marita schauch, ND, Tall Tree Integrated Health Centre
With the new year rolling in, our thoughts begin to turn to our resolutions and what goals we would like to set for ourselves for our “new start.”
It’s become a bit of a running joke that many of our New Year’s resolutions peter out by about March, lost in the dust of unrealistic expectations, being too hard on ourselves or a lack of motivation.
If you’re sick of the hubbub and the let down, and want to create a real and lasting change in your health in 2025, I’ve got a few simple, achievable and impactful New Year’s resolution ideas for you!
Go for a Walk 3x a Week
Exercise is a crucial foundation for health in our sedentary culture, and a goal that many people find overwhelming to start. Many people make the mistake of setting a goal of strenuous workouts every day that leaves them feeling like they went from 0 to 60 and hit a wall, burning out quickly.
Start with a 30-minute walk three times a week. I promise you can find the time, and the benefits to your health are worth rearranging or
re-prioritizing your schedule!
You could even split it up into three 10-minute walks three times a week or a 10-minute walk every day if you really feel pressed. You’ll find you actually have more energy by getting moving regularly!
Drink 1L of Water Daily
Did you know that being even slightly dehydrated can make you feel sluggish, unenergized, slow down digestion, and even age you faster? Some major functions of hydration include flushing toxins and waste from the body, regulating body temperature, and lubrication within the body, but water really plays a role in every function in your body.
Aim to drink about 1L of water daily and notice how your body is feeling if you feel like you need more or less. Reusable water bottles are a great way to track your water intake and take your water everywhere you go.
Eliminate Processed Food from 1 Meal a Day
It’s scary to see how much of our modern diets have become processed food – much of which doesn’t even contain any food at all. It’s nutrient void and chemical laden, serving only to fill our bellies and satisfy our taste buds. It’s become possible in our world for someone to be close to nutritionally starving while consuming thousands of calories daily.
While you may be someone who considers yourself pretty health conscious, there are still dozens of “healthy” processed foods that have snuck their way into our daily lives.
The most nutrient-dense foods are whole foods – our basics, our tried and trues: meat, fish, eggs, dairy, fruit, vegetables, beans, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. These foods are ONE ingredient.
A great way to promote better nutrition is to reduce processed food consumption and increase whole food consumption. Start by picking one meal of the day and making it processed food free. Have fun getting creative with whole ingredients!
Have a healthy, happy new year!
