A new year is here again, which means everyone is making their New Year’s Resolutions! Let me help you out a bit by giving you a short and simple list of health goals you should actually be trying to achieve this year.
- Drink More Water
Aim for at least half your weight in ounces of water per day. Water is essential for maintaining sufficient energy, growing healthy nails, and having glowing skin. Aside from the aesthetic benefits of water, increasing water intake can improve digestion, aid in weight loss, and increase physical performance.
- Eat More Protein
I know everyone is going on different diets this time of year, trying to lose the few pounds they gained over the holiday season, but from a nutrition standpoint – protein is key! It’s going to help you lose fat, build muscle, and it will keep you satiated for longer in between meals. The goal is 25g of protein at each meal, especially breakfast!
- Get Active
Whether it be a 10-minute walk in your neighborhood, running a marathon, enjoying a Pilates class, or mountain climbing in Yosemite, it’s better than sitting on the couch, watching a re-run of your favorite show. Not only is it good for your physical wellbeing, but it’s also so important for your mental health!
- Sweat Often
In some ways this goes hand in hand with the point above, since exercising can be a great way to work up a sweat. But sauna therapy is a great way to do this as well! Sweating is our body’s primary way of cooling down but it can also aid in detoxification (eliminating toxins from the body), helping with weight loss, and promoting healthy skin.
- Improve Your Sleep
Sleep is essential. Period. It’s the time that our body takes to relax and restore. If sleep is a struggle for you, there are fantastic natural supplements and herbs that are effective at improving your sleep. Schedule an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors to learn more!
- Create a Morning Routine
Some research shows that having a set morning routine can help increase energy, boost productivity and improve time management. Whether you choose to wake up early and do a killer workout, or sit on your porch with a hot cup of coffee, anything is better than running out the door.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption
As we age, alcohol has a greater and greater detrimental effect on our bodies. Heavy drinking can cause liver inflammation and problems such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. It can also weaken our immune system, affect mental health, and slow down digestion.
- Avoid Processed Foods
If your diet consists mostly of foods that come from a bag or a box, we should try shifting focus to a more whole foods diet with home-cooked meals.
- Cut the Smoking (and Vaping)
I’m sure you all know by now, but smoking is not good for you, your lungs, your skin, or your immune system. Smoking (and vaping) can cause premature aging and increase your risk of COPD and lung cancer.
- Schedule an Annual Exam with Your ND
Annual visits with a trusted healthcare provider are crucial. Naturopathic doctors are known to offer more comprehensive health care and provide individualized preventive medicine to each of our patients. We can order labs, analyze annual lab result trends, and help with improving your lifestyle as you age to avoid detrimental health problems occurring in the first place. We will also do preventive exams, including gynecological exams for women, and ordering recommended screening and diagnostic imaging.
- Dr. Kristiana Engelhardt