The time for holiday indulging has come to a close, and now it’s time to get back on track with healthier habits. Here are five simple switches that will be you to be a healthier you in 2018!
AVOID TAKE OUT FOOD
The New Year is a perfect time to rediscover the joy of cooking. Eating better is always among the top New Year’s resolutions, and those three dreaded words “what’s for dinner?” seem to come back to haunt us night after night. Figuring out the answer on your own can be challenging every night, but thankfully HelloFresh takes the guesswork out of dinner, so you can get into a routine that you’ll be able to sustain year-round.
By covering the shopping, planning, and delivering step-by-step recipes and ingredients, you can relax and enjoy all there is to love about cooking and eating. In just a few easy-to-master steps, you can chop, zest, and sauté like a natural with recipes that take only 30 minutes.
Cooking at home is one of the easiest ways to eat better – you control the oil, butter, salt, etc., and whether you’re looking to learn new recipes, expand your repertoire, or get out of your cooking rut, HelloFresh helps to solve your dinner dilemmas.
Prices start at $59 for 3 meals for 2 people. You can order your first batch of meals nationwide online at www.hellofresh.com! Check them out on Instagram and Facebook.
DITCH THE DECADENT DESSERTS
I have been a fan of Vita tops for a LONG time! I am a dessert lover but after the holidays, the last thing I want is another decadent dessert. VitaTops from Garden Lites is a delicious indulgence that helps you stay healthy! My absolute favorite flavors are the Deep Chocolate made with organic ingredients, like whole grain flour and cocoa powder and only 100 calories, and VitaTops Wild Blueberry, with organic wild blueberries and only 120 calories.
Vita tops are made by Garden Lites, a product I’ve talked about previously. My favorites are the Super Food Veggie Cakes and Waffles. I appreciate that vegetables are the first ingredient. They are great for breakfast, snacks, lunch and can be ready in minutes. All Garden Lites products use only clean and simple ingredients, are veggie-rich, gluten-free, and non-GMO. They are all delicious and high in nutrients, fiber, and low in calories. (I love giving my kids the superfood veggie cakes because they don’t even realize they are eating veggies – score for mom!)
You can find Vita tops and other Garden Lites products in the freezer section of Publix, Target, and www.thehealthfoodstore or www.vitatops.com. Check them out on Instagram and Facebook.
CHANGE YOUR WORKOUT
How many people say that they are going to join a gym once the New Year rolls around, go for a few weeks and then fall off the wagon? Pilates is more of a lifestyle than a gym – and has gained popularity over time. Pilates helps to:
- strengthen your core
- develop/improve balance
- help with tense muscles
Club Pilates, located in the Garden Shops in West Boca, opened in October 2017 and is a part of the largest network of premium Pilates studios in the world! Anyone can do pilates – regardless of age or fitness level You can choose from group classes or private lessons; and a membership program that best fits your schedule and budget.
I have a terrible lower back. Pilates has helped me gain core strength to support my back, as well as tone my body. I look forward to my classes – it is a true lifestyle! Stop into Club Pilates at 7050 W. Palmetto Park Road or call (561) 717-2120 to inquire about classes and pricing. They will be offering various promotions and discounts in the New Year for group classes, private training, and retail items. Learn more online.
DITCH THE SALTY CHIPS
Did you know that almonds are a great source of protein per 1 oz serving, an excellent source of vitamin E & magnesium, and contain high levels of healthy unsaturated fatty acid, fiber, and antioxidants? I don’t think potato chips hold a light to almonds!
Blue Diamond is my go-to brand for almonds because they come in so many different varieties and flavors (27 to be exact!) – my favorite being the Wasabi and Soy Sauce, but also enjoy the Whole Natural and Smokehouse varieties. They are the perfect, healthy on-the-go snack to help me stick to my New Year’s resolutions and stay energized during the day. I keep a bag of them in my bag for those times when I am out-and-about and need a pick-me-up snack. (I also stock Blue Diamond’s Almond Milk in our fridge as a healthier alternative to cow milk.)
You can find Blue Diamond Almonds nationwide at major retailers and supermarket chains. Check them out on Instagram and Facebook!
DITCH THE SODA
Unlike sodas and many diet colas, sparkling water contains NO sugar and NO artificial sweeteners. If you’re a fizzy drink lover, you can still quench your thirst but in a healthier way. I’m a fan of the tropical flavors of Trader Joe’s sparkling water. My favorite flavor is pineapple with island colada a close second. The fact that they have zero calories and no sugar makes them perfect drinks for my boys too! No more soda for us!
You can find them at Trader Joe’s nationwide (local Trader Joe’s can be found in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Wellington). A 1-liter bottle is $0.79 – $0.99.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
These are all really great ideas. I’ve been on the hunt for posts just like this so compile as many ideas as possible. Hopefully I can stick to it this year!
Lisa says
Thanks for the great ideas that can be easily implemented this new year! You’re on TV now also? Congratulations!
Amber says
I need to try and do these things. But the one thing I won’t be doing is giving up my Diet Coke. It’s how I get my caffeine and remain friendly.
Joan Cajic says
These are great tips, I think my downfall is soda and juices, I need to leave them alone for a long while to get back and start a workout routine.
Anosa says
Great tips! One change I made last year which was join a yoga class and I have no regretted that decision since.
Ana De- Jesus says
I agree in ditching the soda. I used to be dependent on fizzy drinks when I was in uni but they are really bad for you and so I have them very rarely now. I can’t have caffeine now, so I only have drinks like tango which have no caffeine in them!
Kitty says
Wow these are some great ideas and I need to try it… I ditched soda and that was the best decision last year ☺️
Christina says
I need to do all of these things for a happier and healthier 2018. I’m ready to make this my year.
Dana says
You totally should – good luck!!
Emmanuel Damian says
I avoid take out food nowadays. Even fast food! I also changed some of my exercise routines to maximize my fitness.
Amber Stanfield says
I agree with no take out food! I’m not much of a snacker, but I noticed that I gained weight this past year due to not having time to cook as much (balancing blogging with a full time job). I ended up relying on Chinese takeout, and fast food, and I know my body suffered from it. I am going to make an effort to prepare more healthy meals at home!
Dana says
Amber, good luck – I am sure you can reach your goal of preparing healthy meals! Try crock pot or slow cooker recipes that don’t take much time to prepare and are ready when you get home from work!
Susaniiiii says
You were so interesting and always giving great suggestions. That it makes me want to do all those things. Thank you
Dana says
Thank you! xoxoxox
Rosey says
I forgot about vitatops! Those taste good. We have a few health tweaks planned for the new year.
Dana says
They are so good Rosey! They even have gluten-free options too, which is right up my alley!
LavandaMichelle says
These are great tips. I constantly remind my bestie to ditch the soda and chips, however, they are some of the hardest for her to ditch. now she places them in a really small snack bag and only eat that amount per day. These are wonderful tips and I am surely sharing this post with her.
Dana says
Thank you Lavanda! Rationing is a good way to slowly kick the chips habit! Maybe you should grab her a bag of almonds and see if she’ll switch over!!
Brianne Patrice says
All great tips! I love Hello Fresh and live for anything from Trader Joes! I need to get better about my workouts though.
Dana says
Thank you Brianne! Hey, you are doing great already. The workouts being incorporated into your schedule will come to you in time 🙂
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I have tried pilates a bit, and it is freaking hard! I hate when people think it is some soft, easy “not really exercise” kind of workout. My abs always hurt SO much after
Dana says
Cathleen, your abs hurt because it is a TON of core! Think of the pain as a job well done 😉 After a while it doesn’t hurt because your body gets used to the movements, etc.
Akamatra says
We don’t eat any of the junk food or chips and treats you mentioned. I believe we eat really healthy but I still haven’t found the will to go to the gym.
Jessica Taylor says
I seriously need to change my workout. I’ve hit a plateau and I’m a bit stuck now.
John Gatesby says
In these times of pandemic, a lot of people, including me, have discovered a love for cooking. Infact people are baking more than even. In England, at one stage, people were baking so much that it lead to shortage of flour!