New Years Resolutions: Lay Off that Junk!

New Years resolutions are meant to re-define yourself

As 2013 ends and the new year looms around the corner, people are getting out of the period of holiday relaxation and back into their busy routines. Unfortunately, nutrition may sometimes take a back seat,  and smart food and beverage choices may indeed make you smarter in your career  as far as boosting brain power, mental focus and alertness are concerned. With these tips, you can begin creating worthwhile New Years resolutions.

To be at peak mental and physical performance, nutritionists recommend consuming plenty of water to stay hydrated and eating small meals spaced every two or three hours throughout the day, comprising of protein, healthy carbohydrate choices and beneficial fat.

Below are several portable mini meal choices and suggestions that will keep you energized when on the run during a busy day. These meals will keep your metabolism and blood sugar optimized so you’re not going several hours without food and then piling up your plate and overeating later in the day. Keep this in mind for your New Years resolutions.

So get yourself some old-fashioned brown lunch bags for the weeks ahead and a box of handy little foldable sandwich bags — and when you get some time on weekends, for example, start making your own “fast food.” Unless you have food allergies, try and follow these New Years resolutions guideline:

• Carry a water bottle all day. Water is your number one beverage for adequate hydration, aiding blood circulation and providing energy, among water’s many assets. Soda and other sugary drinks end up leaving you thirstier when you’re done; water is the best choice for full hydration.

• Pack some dried fruits such as raisins and vegetables such as celery or carrot sticks. These items have long storage life, and are much healthier than that vacuum-sealed package of cookies.

• Get some string cheese, nuts and sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a quick high-protein snack. Cheese is also a great source of calcium for bone health. Nuts and seeds have essential dietary fats and vitamin E.

• Take advantage of buying fall and winter fruits such as apples and pears. You can store them well at room temperature to give them a longer shelf life than summer fruits, such as peaches and nectarines.

• Looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth? Instead of a sugary soda, cookies or cake, have a few pieces of dark chocolate each day. Scientists have found that it’s good for your heart. Don’t go overboard, as chocolate is still high in calories as well.

For the best New Years resolutions, getting healthy food choices in a local setting, try Whole Foods, located on Bloomfield Avenue. Not only do they offer fresh fruits and vegetables, but they also offer great cooking tips and health advice for those looking to start over in the new year on their website, wholefoodsmarket.com. Worried about breaking the bank while changing your daily menu? Whole Foods also offers savings tips and advice for planning meals for a healthy family.

One of the most popular New Years resolutions people make is to lose weight during the new year. Instead of worrying about the number of pounds you shed, first make sure that what you are eating is good for you. You wouldn’t fuel your car on garbage, and you shouldn’t fuel yourself on it either. Make sure you are putting the right things into your body and your new year is sure to be great.

  foods, health, healthy, new years resolutions, whole foods