Healthy Eating Resolutions To Boost Your Fitness In 2021

After a year of being cooped indoors and staying away from the gym, you will probably want to go the extra mile with fitness in 2021. The New Year is the best time to make some resolutions, and healthy eating must be on top of your wishlist this time. Although choosing the food on your plate sounds simple, it requires good thinking to pick only the healthiest options. Apart from prioritizing the right dietary choices, you need to work on your routines and habits to stay a step ahead of your fitness goals. Here are the resolutions that can get you on the right track this New Year.

Steer clear of sugar

The worst you may have done during quarantine lockdowns is polishing your culinary skills. Most people kept themselves busy at home by cooking and baking and ended up indulging in loads of sugar. Cutting down on your sugar intake should be your first healthy eating resolution in 2021. Even if you have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of healthy dessert options you can fall back on. A bowl of fresh fruits makes an easy and delicious alternative to sugar-laden cakes and cookies. You can use substitutes like honey and maple syrup for cooking desserts.

Opt for lean protein and low-fat dairy products

Another super healthy eating resolution you can pick this year is to opt for lean protein and low-fat dairy products. They fulfill your dietary requirements without piling up pounds and inches. The best lean protein sources include healthy meat cuts, chicken breast, canned tuna and shrimp, and soy crumbles. Low-fat dairy like milk, cheese, and curd serve your daily dose of calcium that strengthens your bones and teeth. Pick your options smartly when you go grocery shopping, and you will look and feel good.

Prioritize fresh and organic products

Fresh fruits and veggies should be the mainstay of your diet in 2021. You can go the extra mile by going organic with products cultivated without the use of chemicals and pesticides. It is best to buy ones sourced from local farms and cultivators who sell certified products. You can opt for Certified Organic Fruit & Vegetable Delivery rather than visit farms and markets. Pack at least five servings of fresh produce in your daily diet. Salads and freshly-pressed juices give you the best benefits of these foods. You can even pre-cut and refrigerate them because it makes it easier to grab them when hunger strikes.

Eat probiotics and prebiotics every day

Adding probiotics and prebiotics to your everyday diet is the best way to boost your gut health. Probiotics are active cultures that balance gut flora by supporting the growth of the beneficial bacteria. Foods like kefir, kimchi, Greek yogurt, and sauerkraut are powerful probiotics that strengthen your gut and enhance immunity. Prebiotics are natural food components that play a significant role in balancing your gut. You have plenty of options in them, including onions, garlic, leeks, bananas, asparagus, artichokes, and soybeans.

Do not skip meals

While you may want to embark on a weight-loss mission in 2021, skipping meals is the worst you can do to your body. People skip breakfast to keep off some calories, but the practice slows down your metabolism and gives you the munchies. You may end up eating more and picking sugar-laden snacks that do more harm than good. A nutritious breakfast with whole-grain cereal, skim milk, and fresh fruit salad gives you a great start. Also, never miss out on other meals, rather make conscious dietary choices. Snack on salads, nuts, and seeds when hunger strikes out of the blue.

Eat out less often this year

Although you may be yearning to get out and indulge after the lockdowns, eating out shouldn’t be a priority in 2021. Staying home is the best bet to be safe from the virus, which is a valid reason to avoid checking out your favorite cafe or restaurant. While you are home, ramp up your healthy cooking skills with the best ingredients and cooking techniques. If you have to eat out, pick only the right dishes on the menu. Opt for ones cooked with techniques like roasting and baking rather than frying. Request lean cuts in meats and look for dishes with low salt, sugar, and fat content.

Be mindful with drinks

Healthy eating resolutions go beyond what you eat. You need to be mindful with drinks as well. Make a conscious effort to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day. Start the day with a glass of water with a dash of honey and lemon juice. Ditch the colas and sweetened juices and pick better options like herbal teas. You have a wide range to explore, from dandelion to hibiscus, ginger, aloe vera, and green tea. While these delicious beverages keep you hydrated, they have a host of health benefits as well. When it comes to going mindful with drinks, cut down on wine, beer, and all other alcoholic drinks.

Start small and set realistic goals

Even as you will have many wellness resolutions this year, it is vital to stick to them till the end. The best way you can do it is by starting small and setting realistic goals. Small milestones are easier to stick with, and you have better chances of success in the long run. They keep your fitness initiatives on track and boost your self-esteem. Rather than depriving yourself, consider being committed to the mission you have taken up. Give yourself a cheat meal every week, but make sure that these meals are healthy too. For example, you can opt for a wholewheat sandwich instead of a burger and pick fruit yogurt as an alternative to ice cream.

Your fitness journey can become a lot easier by taking up these smart eating resolutions in 2021. Stay committed to them from start to end. Take the challenge happily, and you will see visible results within a few months and feel motivated to make these positive changes a part of your lifestyle.