We are only a matter of weeks away from January now when most people look to improve their health in some way, shape or form. Becoming healthier isn’t just about losing weight or how you look, there are so many vital elements of our health that are often overlooked or pushed to the back of our priority list. So, we are here to introduce 3 ways you can be healthier this January, that isn’t focused on losing weight.
We all deserve to be and feel healthy, so now is the perfect time to come up with our resolutions of how we will be healthier this year!
Eat More Plant-Based Meals
The first thing on our list is to eat more plant-based meals. Plant-based foods are mostly lower in saturated fat and in cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and many other serious health issues.
Plant-based foods also tend to be lower in calories for their weight, so you can eat more of them without feeling full. This helps you to eat a wider range of vitamins and minerals. Plus, you are likely to feel much more energised.
So, a great resolution to become healthier is to eat more plant-based meals. Perhaps you commit to every breakfast being plant-based during the week. This could be porridge made with oat-milk and a delicious berry compote. You could do the same thing with your lunches, swapping out your meat sandwiches for delicious meat-free alternatives or tasty, crunchy salads. Maybe you decide to eat 3 plant-based evening meals a week.
Cooking plant-based might seem daunting, but there are so many amazing recipes out there that will make you realise how easy and delicious it can be! You will soon get into a routine and you won’t find yourself missing meat at all.
Visit Your Dentist Twice In The Year
Our next tip is to visit your dentist twice a year. Often your oral health is pushed to the back of the priority list, however, it is equally as important as every other element of our health. When you don’t prioritise your oral health, you are at a high risk of developing serious oral health problems including cavities, gum disease, tooth loss and so many more. These things can eventually have an impact on the rest of the body, too.
So, go to your hygienist and private dentist twice a year. They will be able to identify any issues early on, to make the treatment plan much more simple. Prevention is better than cure after all. Visiting the hygienist as well is just as important, as they remove the build-up of tartar that when left untreated, can cause significant problems for your oral health.
Your dentist will also help you to improve your oral health routine at home, advising on the best toothbrushes, toothpaste and mouthwash to use for your teeth. This should be right up there on your priority list this year, as it will improve your health and save you money in the long run by avoiding serious problems.
Do More Steps
Another simple way for you to get healthy is to do more steps! Staying active is essential to our cardiovascular health, as well as all other areas. If you aim for 10,000 steps a day, you will notice a huge difference in how you feel.
There are so many benefits to walking more, including clearing your mind, helping you to sleep better, can decrease feelings of anxiety and depression, improving blood pressure, can help to stabilise blood sugar and preventing the likelihood of serious problems such as stroke and heart attack.
It might take some adjusting to implement more steps into your routine, but you will start to really enjoy it once you’ve gotten used to it! You could go for a nice walk in the morning to clear your mind before your day begins, use your lunch break to stretch your legs and get out of the office or head out for a nice walk after work.
Final Thoughts
Our health should be at the very top of our priority list, so now is the perfect time to find new ways we can be healthier. Making these things a habit might take some time, but you will feel so much better in yourself once they become a regular occurrence in your life.