Start Your New Year's Resolutions Early

It's the day after Christmas and the perfect time to set some healthy New Year's resolutions.

For me the day after Christmas has always been a reflective day. The presents are unwrapped. The family is still gathered together, but the day is less hectic. We eat leftovers and play games and enjoy sharing memories from the past year.

It's also a good time to get yourself back on track when it comes to your health-related goals.

Here are some goals I recommend…

Eat More Produce: Fruits and vegetables are a great source of micronutrients. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables gives your body a broad cross section of antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols that help keep your immune system strong and your cells healthy.

Eat More Fiber: A healthy intake of fiber—25 to 30 grams a day—will improve your digestion and that means better nutrition, a healthier immune system, and more energy. Fiber intake also reduces your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Fruits and vegetables happen to be an excellent source of fiber. So are beans, nuts, and seeds.

Take a Omega-3 Supplement: The imbalance between omega-3s and omega-6s in the average American diet increases the inflammation in your system, contributes to reduced feelings of well-being, and increases your risk of heart disease. By supplementing with omega-3s you can restore your body's balance and improve your health.

Get Enough Sleep: Getting the right amount of sleep for your body will help you to maintain a healthy body weight and will improve your immune system.

Make Your Workout Fun: There's no way around it. Exercise is important, but that doesn't mean that exercise has to be something you dread. Look for ways to make your workouts more fun. Try a new class. Schedule a bike ride with a friend. Do workouts you enjoy. That will help you keep your routine fresh and improve your follow through.

Follow these five recommendations, and you can make 2009 your healthiest year ever.

Cheers!
Heather Robwell