12 Healthy Goals for the New Year

I don’t believe that we need a New Year to make changes in our lives and become healthier, but I always love setting goals. If you know me, you know that I love making lists and I often make little monthly goals to stay on track. So despite the fact that I don’t believe in the “all or nothing” mindset that often comes with New Year’s resolutions, I love taking the opportunity to reflect on where I’m at and where I want to be in life. It’s a chance to look back on the past year, learn from your mistakes and move forward.

This year, as usual, I have many ambitions. I wanted to share them with you in hopes that they inspire you. This is a list of things that I do on a regular basis to stay healthy and that I want to continue doing this year AND a list of healthy habits that I would like to adopt. Pick and choose whichever ones you think would benefit you and fit in your lifestyle.

That being said, here are my goals this year:

Drink More Water

I carry a 1 liter water bottle with me wherever I go and it makes it a lot easier to drink more water! It’s a myth that you need 8 glasses of water every day to stay healthy, you can find water in milk, fruits and vegetables as well. I personally find that 1.5 liters of water is what my body needs (plus the water I get from other sources), but listen to your body.

Eat More Vegetables and Fruits

My goal is simple: Eat at least one green and one orange vegetable each day! I think that’s a realistic goal. It can be done by snacking on a few baby carrots and cucumber slices. I also like to sneak some vegetables in my diet by adding them to smoothies, sauces, sandwiches and soups. Eating more vegetables doesn’t mean you need to eat a big salad every day!

Drink Two Cups of Milk Every Day

I usually drink unsweetened soy milk and almond milk, but choose whichever one you like! Drinking 2 cups of milk every day is the best way to reach your daily recommended amount of calcium and vitamin D.

Eat Fish at Least Once a Week

And/or other healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, olive oil and avocados.

Floss Every Day

Believe it or not, but I used to do this for years. Since I moved in a new apartment, I kind of lost the habit, but it’s one of my goals this year!

Exercise 30 minutes, 5 times a week 

This in an easy way to achieve 150 minutes of physical activity per week. I choose to alternate between cardio (usually jogging), weight training and high intensity interval training. I find that’s what works best for me. I truly believe that we should enjoy our workouts. I like to exercise 30 minutes in the morning because it makes me feel great and I’m done for the day! Sometimes I go for a hike as well in the evening or on the weekends, only because it’s something I really enjoy!

Practice Yoga 30 Minutes, 5 Times a Week

I see yoga and my regular workouts as two different things. It’s not that yoga isn’t a good workout (it is!), but they both help me reach different goals. I do yoga because I want to increase my flexibility, have more balance and it helps me relax. My practice is usually slow and focuses more on stretching my muscles than defining them. Then I do weight lifting, cardio and high intensity interval training to stay in shape, get stronger and increase my endurance.

No Phone 30 Minutes Before Bed

I’m lucky enough not to have any problems falling asleep at night, but I know it would be a good idea to spend some time away from any screen before going to bed. In 2017, my goal is to spend 30 minutes away from my phone before bed and instead, spend 30 minutes reading a book or doing something relaxing, which brings me to my next goal.

Spend 30 Minutes Every Day Doing Something Relaxing

To me, this means hiking, watching my favorite show on Netflix, taking a bath, reading or drawing. Anything I enjoy and that helps me relax.

Complain Less

I complain way too much and I’m sure I’m not the only one! This is probably going to be the hardest goal to achieve, but it might be the most important.

Be Grateful

It sounds cheesy, I know. But if working in a hospital made me learn anything, it’s to be grateful and to NEVER take your health for granted.

Set Monthly Goals

Like I said earlier, I love to set monthly goals! Setting a few little goals every month, like drinking a green smoothie every day or staying away from salty snacks, can help you stay motivated and help you reach your bigger goals!

Other Healthy Goal ideas:

• Eat breakfast every day
• Spend more time in nature
• Make sleep a priority
• Eat more whole grains
• Take your own lunch to work
• Spend more time with friends and family
• Incorporate more meatless meals in your diet (Meatless Monday!)
• Try a new form of exercise
• Walk to work once a week (if that’s possible)
• Reduce the amount of processed meat in your diet
• Meditate
• Keep your desk clean and organized
• Laugh more!

I hope this inspires you. What are your goals this year? I would love to hear them (and it might give others more ideas!).

Happy New Year!