How to Set Healthy Eating Goals for 2016
Now that 2016 has officially arrived, many people around the world are setting New Year’s resolutions. While resolutions can vary significantly from person to person, they often revolve around the idea of eating healthier. After all, a few weeks of delicious holiday dining often leads to people who are ready to change to a more nutritious diet.
To create a meaningful change that will last beyond the middle of January, resolve to use these tips and set the right kinds of healthy eating goals for 2016.
Add, Don’t Subtract
If your healthy eating goal is to reduce fat, reduce calories and reduce sugar consumption, you’re already putting a negative spin on your resolution. Healthy eating shouldn’t just be about taking things away. Instead, focus on what you can add to your diet to make it healthier.
You might, for example, aim to eat four servings of vegetables every day. This is framed as adding to your diet, but filling up on veggies naturally means less space for empty carbohydrates and snacks. You could also try to add in more lean protein rather than eliminating pizza or burgers.
Focus on the positive, and feed your body well, and there is a better chance that you’ll be able to stick to your resolutions and feel happy about doing so.
Look Beyond Weight Loss
One of the primary motivators for many people is weight loss. However, that alone may not be enough to help you stick to your goals for all of 2016 and beyond. Ideally, you should think of additional motivating factors that go beyond the numbers on the scale.
For example, you might choose to eat more fruits and vegetables so that you can live longer and be a better, more energetic parent to your children. Or, you could focus on a healthy diet so that you can be fit enough to set off on a big hike next summer.
Create Monthly Checkpoints
Setting a single, lofty goal for all of 2016 might sound appealing on New Year’s Eve, but the reality is that following through without any feedback for an entire 12 months can feel impossible. As an alternative, set a monthly goal and reassess where you are every 30 days.
In January, you might resolve to avoid alcohol and fried foods. In February, you might switch from cereal for breakfast to yogurt with fruit and nuts. In March, you might focus on including vegetables with every dinner. Adopting different habits each month makes the year go by quickly, and you’ll find it easier to improve your diet constantly.
Eat What You Love
Setting healthy eating goals should never be about forcing yourself to eat foods that you don’t enjoy. If you hate kale, that’s fine! Dig into a salad made with romaine lettuce instead, or add some frozen chopped spinach to your breakfast smoothie.
There are so many different types of healthy foods available, so as long as your diet includes ample protein, fat, carbohydrates and vitamins, you don’t need to worry.
At the start of a new year, it is natural to want to improve your eating habits. Stay healthy by keeping these tips in mind and focusing on a tasty and nutritious diet.
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