The problem with new year’s resolutions is that they are often forgotten by the end of January. Wonder why? Well, most of us set resolutions that are huge and requires drastic changes in our lives, that makes it hard for us to stick to our resolutions.
We’ve always been strong advocates for eating smart and living smart, so we’ve discovered that the best strategy for that is to think small and set achievable goals for a more sustainable way to sticking to your resolutions!
When you add up small and incremental steps, you’ll discover that you would have made large strides in the long run.
The only person that’s committed to your success is you. So, here are 7 small but powerful resolution ideas for you!
1. Choose a workout schedule that suits you
Most common excuse for not exercising? “No time.”
Plan out your schedules and slotting in time for workout that can fit around your schedule. Select a time, place and plan that feels doable for you. For example, before work (time) in the neighbourhood park (place) jogging 3 times a week (plan).
2. Commit to taking the stairs
Increase your step counts by taking the stairs whenever you can! A little bit everyday can add up to a lot, and before you know it, you might hit 10,000 steps per day. When you get rid of elevators and escalators, you are giving your body the burst of energy it needs!
3. Pack emergency snacks
If you find that you’re munching on whatever that you can find in the pantry during the afternoon slump at work, this would be useful for you!
Proper snacking can actually help with weight management, because it can keep you satisfied in between meals to prevent over-eating during meal times. But of course, it’s only good if you snack on healthy and nutritious snacks. Pack a fruit (like apple, banana, pear) or low-fat yoghurt and some nuts for your midday snack.
4. Load up on vegetables
Instead of restricting yourself from certain food, focus on adding in more vitamins, nutrients and fibre into your diet. You can fill 1/3 to 1/2 of your plate with vegetables (like carrots, broccoli, cucumber or zucchini), fill 1/4 of your plate with a lean protein source and another 1/4 of your plate with carbohydrate.
Alternatively you could personalise your vegetable intake depending on your vitamins and minerals requirement with DNA Explorer.
5. Track and time your water intake
Sometimes when you feel the afternoon slump at work, it could be because you are thirsty! If you’re not drinking water consistently throughout the day, you can set up recurring alarm for every 3 hours, to remind yourself to drink water.
6. Sit stronger schedule in standing time
Many of us probably spend 8 hours a day sitting at our desk , slouching in front of our computers. This could actually put a lot of strain on our back and neck muscles!
Here’s how you can sit smarter: Stretch your spine. Make sure your computer screen is elevated to your eye-level. Align your neck so that your ears and shoulders are aligned. Ensure that both your feet are touching the floor with your knees at 90-degree angle.
7. Upgrade your nutrition starting with one meal
Instead of making a 180degrees change to your diet, start small by changing one of your meal a day, so that it can be an easy win!
Do you usually eat scrambled egg for breakfast? Why not add in some tomatoes for a boost to your heart health.
Start by adding in more fruits and vegetables into one meal, and when you do this for one meal everyday, you’ll gradually boost your vitamins and minerals intake in the long run!
Keep yourself motivated with these tiny but powerful changes in your life, and before you know it, you might just discover that these resolutions have morphed into your daily routine!
