Health | 5 tips to a healthy new you!

Source: Google

So we’re over halfway through the month – how many of you have already broken or given up your resolutions/goals/targets? You can read mine here and I’m pleased to say so far so good. However, every year I promise myself I’ll get fitter and never seem to get anywhere. The thing is, it’s not a short-term thing, it’s all about making the right lifestyle choices. I should know, I’ve done nearly every diet going! Here are my 5 tips to a healthy – and happy – new you:

(1) Get organised

I have this one in the bag, I’m the sort of person that makes lists for list’s sake. I spend my weekend deciding what I’ll be eating, buy the ingredients and then get prepping (where I can). Things like soup which can last a week and can also be frozen are good, or even homemade granola for breakfast kept in individual air-tight containers. If you can’t be that prepared, make your smoothies and salads the night before. I jot everything down in my diary, to put into My Fitness Pal. It’s a second diary to the one I keep in my handbag to organise my social calendar! If you’re organised, there’s less chance you’ll reach for the junk.

(2) Drink more water

This may be the worst thing when it’s so cold – and it’s true we drink a lot more water in the summer when there’s more chance of dehydration. But we all know the importance of water, right? At work, I only drink water and green tea and can easily drink one-and-a-half litres between the hours of 9am and 5pm. When I get home, it’s another pint with dinner and that’s two litres done. If you’re really anti-water, mix it up with slices of lemon/cucumber/watermelon/strawberries, or try a sugar-free alternative to squash, like Stur.

(3) Exercise

Now I’m the worst person ever to force this one on anyone. My office job means I’m sat at my desk all day, getting up to go to the printer, or walking the three flights of stairs to the lunch room. However, I’ve finally realised the reason the weight isn’t shifting isn’t down to what I’m eating, it’s down to exercise. Last Saturday I went for a run with my brother and I felt SO good. It’s something I’m going to continue regularly. I’m also going to dust-off my workout DVD and start Blogilates again. There are so many options these days if you don’t like the gym, or would rather attend a class. If there was a bikram yoga place near me, I’d do that! After all, if you look good, you’ll feel good!

(4) Correct your sleep pattern

All those late Christmas and New Year celebratory nights and cosy film marathons not only catch up on you, but could mean your sleep pattern is still affected – I know mine is. My resolution this year was to make more time for me, to wind down in the evenings, treat myself and shut down at night. I will go to bed around 10, but then not get to sleep until at least 11:30pm – not ideal when I’m up at half 6. I’m going to try my hardest to stick to this and instead of checking Twitter for the 1000^th time, will read in bed, or have a hot milk while thinking about how my day went and what I need to do tomorrow – without over-thinking, as that’s also a killer! There are loads of apps that monitor your sleep and I really need to download one of those ones that play relaxing music.

(5) Stay positive

So you may have had that extra chunk of chocolate, or went out for lunch instead of having that pre-made wrap, but don’t get down heartened – and don’t give up. We all have off days; the main thing is to stay focus, organised and have a plan of action for the coming days/week. Or what about if you’ve had a bad day at work or at home? Take five minutes out and think about what you’re thankful for. It’s true what they say – there’s always someone in a worst position than yourself. The main thing is to stay upbeat, as with that outlook, you can conquer anything!

What are your tips for a healthy new you?

Love, Lucy xx