Many people start off the new year with resolutions aimed at creating a healthier version of themselves. As we know, all too often those resolutions start to fade away as the calendar starts marching through the year ahead.
But what if you selected some simple solutions that could add up to big differences in the way you nourish your body and change your habits for the better?
Naomi Billups, public health nutrition manager for the County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services Agency, offers some tips to get you on the right track for the year ahead. 1. My favorite tip is a simple one from Michael Pollen’s book “In Defense of Food.” He says: “Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.” What that means by “eat food” is to eat it in its real state – natural and clean. Move away from processed and packaged food and food that is full of sugar, salt and flour. 2. When eating something with a nutritional facts label, choose items with the fewest number of ingredients to eat less processed food. 3. More matters! When eating out, ask for extra vegetables with your meal. 4. Start packing. In a reusable container, stock up on nuts for quick snacks that don’t go bad. 5. Ease into mindful eating. Slow down and let your body signal when you’ve had just the right amount of food. 6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Keep water with you wherever you go in a reusable bottle. If it helps you drink more, add herbs or fruit slices to add flavor. 7. And finally, a tip that’s good for the environment around you. Don’t throw food away – start composting. The County has information and free composting workshops.