Make 2016 Your Healthiest Year Yet

We are still at the start of a fresh, new year, and we are hearing many people making 2016 resolutions.  Of course, “lose weight”, “get healthy”, etc. are common on the list of goals people make in a new year, but we truly want to see folks be the best they can be all year long!

So, how can you stay true to your resolution and make sure it doesn’t end up being a tossed out sticky note this year?

Walk It Out

Something as simple as adding walking to your daily routine can help you lose weight, improve heart health and circulation, and improve mental clarity.  Walking offers lots of benefits, yet is gentle enough for people of just about any age and ability to do!  It doesn’t have to be extravagant.  Throw your walking shoes into the trunk of your car and hit the parking lot for a few laps on your lunch break at work.  Stuck at home with the kids?  Head out with them!  You’ll be a great model of staying healthy, and they’ll be exercising right along with you!

Water, Water Everywhere…

We all know that drinking water is important for our health, but did you know it can help you lose weight?  By getting in your recommended daily ounces, you’ll be less likely to overeat, and your body will be more efficient at digesting food.  If you make sure you drink a glass of water before each meal, you will feel full faster, meaning you won’t be tempted to eat as much.  Don’t enjoy plain water?  “Spice it up” by throwing some of your favorite fruits into a pitcher of water and storing it in the fridge.  It will be good for 2 or 3 days at a time, and the fruit will infuse the water with flavor and some healthy vitamins!  Good combinations include a mixture of berries, orange and lemon, or cucumber and mint!

Get Your Zzzzs

Proper rest is important at any age, and if your goal is to lose weight and/or get healthy, you need to start by evaluating your sleep pattern.  If you aren’t getting enough rest, your body won’t be functioning at its best, meaning you won’t be as healthy as you can be.  Proper rest not only makes you feel better, but it also means you are more likely to stick to a workout routine and dieting regimen if those are your goals.  It’s hard to hit the gym when you can’t keep your eyes open. Additionally, getting plenty of sleep means your mind will be more alert and focused during the day, and you can get more done!  That means more time for exercise.

We hope you’ll keep these tips in mind when you start thinking about throwing that list of resolutions out the door this year.  You CAN do it, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or hard. Even if you just add one thing from the list above to your routine, you’ll be making an improvement and moving toward better health and a better you!  Another important addition to your health and fitness?  A good health insurance plan.  Not only does it alleviate stress during a time of illness or injury, but it also provides for preventative care, which is vital in making sure you are as healthy as possible in 2016.  Give us a call and we can help you determine which plan is right for you!