Resolutions for 2022: 7 Ways to a healthy new year



New Year symbolizes a fresh start of new goals, new hopes, new motivation, and new ideas. We humans often look for opportunities to wipe the proverbial slate clean and start afresh. For some, it may mean getting into an exercise regimen or eating healthy. For others, it may be setting some new targets at work or spending more time with their family and friends. Whatever it may be, it makes the new year something to look forward to. Most of us find ourselves making admirable new year resolutions for a healthy life. These healthy new year resolutions are often highly unsustainable and restrictive which fail within a few weeks. Winters make following these wellness goals even more difficult, thanks to all the celebratory desserts and comfort food recipes. We must endeavor to set health-related goals that are more sustainable and easy to inculcate into our lives. To make it easier for you we have curated a list of 7 new year wellness goals.

Resolutions For 2022

For a healthy start to the new year, it is important to set realistic goals and make subtle changes that are obtainable and doable in your day-to-day life. You must think long-term while setting these health-related goals and give them some time before they start showing you results.

• Eat more whole foods: 

One of the easiest habits to introduce this new year for a healthy life is eating whole foods. Whole foods are foods that are either not processed at all or are minimally processed. Whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds are some of the best examples of whole foods. They are rich in nutrients but contain fewer calories. They help in lowering blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and may also help reduce muscle pain. They help keep you healthy, strong, and energized.

• Embrace eating healthy fats:

All fats are not unhealthy. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are “good fats''. They are vital to absorb vitamins and minerals in the body and help in boosting immunity. They are good for your heart, cholesterol, and overall health. They help lower the risk of heart diseases, strokes and help us keep warm. So you may want to consider swapping refined cooking oil with healthy oils like organic virgin coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or desi ghee to kick start the new year the healthy way. Nuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are also good sources of healthy fats.

• Switch to natural sweeteners:

Refined sugar may increase the risk of obesity, excess belly fat, type-2 diabetes, and heart diseases. They can cause resistance to leptin, a hormone that signals hunger and satiety which explains the link between refined sugar and obesity. Make it a new year’s wellness goal to say goodbye to refined sugar and use natural sweeteners like honey and jaggery instead. They are a rich source of antioxidants, help boost immunity, help in digestion and weight management. 

• Sneak in more fruits and vegetables:

Fruits and vegetables are a great source of many vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, and E, as well as zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and folic acid. They are rich in fiber and lower in calories and fats. They help in maintaining good health since they are low in saturated fat and sugar. One of your healthy new year resolutions should be eating a well-balanced diet full of vegetables and fruits that can help you in maintaining weight and help in decreasing inflammation and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• Choose healthy snacks:

We often follow a healthy meal regime but end up eating unhealthy mid meals. Make a 2022 new year resolution and promise yourself to indulge in healthy snacking. A good way is to keep some nuts and seeds always handy so that you can eat some the moment you start feeling a little hungry in between your meals. You can also try eating a whole fruit or maybe preparing a healthy oat or quinoa snack. Here are some healthy snack ideas to help you stay healthy while taking care of your mid-meal hunger.

• Cook at home:

The best way to start a healthy new year is to incorporate more home-cooked meals in your daily routine and avoid dining out or eating packaged foods. When you cook your meals you are far more in tune with the ingredients you are putting in your system. You are in control of the ingredients being used, their quality, and also portion size. Preparing healthier meals at home is not just beneficial for the body but also for your pockets since homemade food is usually cheaper than eating out or buying processed foods from the market.

• Get quality sleep:

Sleep is an essential part of overall health and well-being. It is vital because it enables the body to repair and get ready for another day. Getting adequate rest may also prevent the risk of weight gain, heart diseases, depression, and increased illness duration. Good sleep also improves concentration and productivity. Sleep deprivation may impair immune function, activate undesirable markers of inflammation and cell damage. So this new year make a resolution to focus on your schedule and lifestyle to determine the best ways to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. This will help you in leading a healthy and happy life. 

A slow and steady habit might not sound very fancy but it is a lot more effective. Small changes stick better because they are not intimidating. So instead of looking for quick fixes for health and trying fad diets, adapt to these healthy new year resolutions which are far more sustainable and will help you in fulfilling your wellness goals this new year.