How to (Realistically) Improve Your Health in 2016

It’s the beginning of a new year, so that means our New Year resolutions are fresh in our minds. For most of us, our resolutions include something to do with getting healthier. Resolutions such as losing weight, exercising, and quitting smoking are among the most common resolutions made each year. Unfortunately, by the time Valentines Day rolls around, most of us have forgotten or given up on our goals completely. This year, I challenge you throw away the age-old “lose weight” resolution, and try a different approach to improve your health holistically in 2016. Here are some resolutions to consider this year:

1. Eat 1 serving of vegetables with every meal. 

Often times, resolutions follow along the lines of “stop eating junk food, cut out added sugar, and no more trips through the drive-thru.” While these resolutions are important and get a thumbs-up from our doctors, temptation often gets the best of us. These resolutions are easily broken and forgotten. So this year, let’s shift the focus from what we are eating (junk food, sweets, etc.) to what we are not eating (fresh fruits and vegetables).

We all know that consuming sugary and fatty treats is bad for our health, but many people do not realize that not consuming enough fruits and vegetables is just as bad. Here is an example:

Last year, your typical dinner was a hamburger and fries. In order to follow your resolution to“eat healthier” this year, you swapped out the burger for a chicken breast and the fries for baked chips. This new meal is definitely healthier, being lower in saturated fat, salt, calories. However, it is not balanced. Your diet is still lacking the essential vitamins and minerals that are naturally-occurring in fruits and vegetables.

Vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals that our body needs to function. There are certain vitamins found in plants that are essential for our metabolism. Therefore, consuming enough fruits and vegetables a day ensures that our bodies are functioning optimally and are metabolizing our food properly. If you cut out only “junk food,” and fail to eat fruits and vegetables, your body will remain malnourished.

Instead of cutting out food from your diet, try focusing on adding the right food to our diet. Doesn’t that sound a bit easier and more enjoyable?

2. Quit Smoking.

If you are smoker, the very best thing you can do for your health this year is to quit. If there is one healthy resolution to pick, this is the one.

The new year is a great time to quit tobacco and when you're ready to quit tobacco, the WI Tobacco Quit Line is ready to help. Callers will talk with a friendly quit coach, receive a FREE two-week supply of quit-tobacco medication along with personalized strategies on how to quit. Make this your year. When you’re ready to quit tobacco, the WI QuitLine is there, 24 hours a day. Just call 1-800 QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).


3. Unplug.

Life can get stressful. It can be overwhelming. With modern technology, it seems we are always connected to each other. Phones, text message, email, and Facebook makes it possible to get ahold of anyone at virtually any time.

When is the last time you physically ‘turned off’ your cellphone?  How long can you go without checking for messages?

I challenge you to unplug this year—just for one hour a day. It can be the first or last hour of your day, or right in the middle to recollect your thoughts. By unplugging for an hour, you will have time to focus on your current state of mind and well-being.

4.Get involved.

How does being involved in your community make you healthier? This resolution is often not associated with health, but in fact, belonging to and getting involved in your community is an important aspect of living a longer, healthier life. Having a sense of belonging in your community often improves your mental health and encourages a healthy lifestyle. So this year, make a point of getting to know your community.

Want to get involved, but don’t know where to start? Check out our re:TH!NK Website for opportunities to volunteer.