5 New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy 2021
There’s no denying that 2020 was a difficult year for most. Not only that, but the international pandemic has put a renewed focus on the health of ourselves and our communities.
In an effort to help our community have a healthy 2021, we at Winter Sweetz have gathered 5 key resolutions that you can commit to for the coming year. These habits can help boost your health as well as your overall wellness.
So go for a walk, and bite into a sweet red grapefruit, because Winter Sweetz is taking you through some of the most important ways you can protect your health in the coming year.
1. Move More
2020 saw more people spending long amounts of time in their homes than ever before. With the international health crisis limiting travel and in-person contact, many of us found ourselves spending more and more time sitting in front of a screen.
Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle can have innumerable negative effects on your health. In fact, movement is so important that not getting enough of it has been linked to an increased risk of death, according to a study published by BMC Public Health.
In the year to come, take time to get up and move around throughout your day. To make sure you’re getting enough movement during the day despite a sedentary lifestyle, either take a 15-minute walk once per day, or take one 5-minute walk per hour.
2. Eat Whole Foods
Most of us have heard of the phrase “whole grains”, but the term “whole foods” may not be as familiar. Whole foods are defined as single-ingredient foods. This includes things like fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, and other nutrient-rich foods that our species has been reliant upon for thousands of years.
However, eating whole foods isn’t just about getting back to your pre-historic roots. Rather, research has shown that whole-foods-based diets can reduce the risk of some types of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and high blood sugar.
Whole foods also have the benefit of convenience. Simple snacks like Winter Sweetz’s own Texas red grapefruit are a healthy solution to other easy snacks that may not be so healthy–like potato chips, for instance. Eating whole foods is also an easy way to meet the next 2021 resolution: preparing more food at home.
3. Cook Home Meals
Cooking at home is one of the most underrated ways to improve your health. Simply making an effort to increase the number of meals you cook at home has been shown to reduce body fat and improve diet quality compared to those who eat on-the-go. In fact, those who eat 5 or more home-cooked meals each week were shown to be 28% less likely to be overweight when compared to those who prepared 3 or fewer meals at home.
You can start the year by cooking at least one meal per day at home. As the year goes on, you can increase the frequency until most of your meals and snacks are home-prepared. Plus, you can use this resolution as an excuse to improve your cooking skills. If you’re looking for delicious, healthy meals to cook at home, check our Winter Sweetz’s collection of Texas red grapefruit-based recipes.
4. Spend More Time Outdoors
As a kid, being told to “go play outside” often sounds like code for “get out from under my feet”, but the truth is, outdoor time is actually essential to good health. In fact, spending time outdoors has been linked to elevated mood, lowered blood pressure, and stress relief.
No matter whether you live in a busy city or the peaceful countryside, taking a long walk outdoors is good for just about everyone. Whether you’re going camping, taking a stroll, or simply soaking in the sun, take time to breathe in the outdoors this 2021.
5. Take Time for Yourself
For many of us, practicing me-time or self-care can seem like a purely selfish or indulgent act. However, taking time to care for your wellbeing is essential to maintaining good health, both physically and mentally. This can be especially true for those of us who spend our time primarily taking care of others, including parents and healthcare workers.
This year, make a commitment to scheduling time for yourself. It might feel like your time is too valuable to waste on self-care, but the truth is this time is well worth the planning and effort.
Plus, self-care doesn’t need to be complicated. Anything from making a healthy meal with the family, relaxing in a bubble bath, or even taking in a few minutes of silence while enjoying a sweet Texas Rio Red grapefruit can be an act of self-care.
Pack a nutritious punch in your 2021 diet with Winter Sweetz Texas red grapefruit, found at your favorite grocers or via online order.