This blog post was taken from our Made With Lifeway Winter 2017 Recipe Book.
It’s the most decadent time of year and you’re probably finalizing New Year’s resolutions to undo all you’ve done during the holiday season. You’ve spent the last couple weeks indulging in rich foods and festive cocktails while the promise of a healthier lifestyle in 2017 looms just around the corner. Sure, you can post your commitment to a strict exercise routine and a healthy diet to Facebook, but how can you stick with it once January 1st hits?
At Lifeway, we see an issue with most “healthy” resolutions because they often fail. Why? Because you are going in with the wrong mindset. Eating your favorite unhealthy foods should not make you feel guilty, as long as you’re eating them in moderation. Likewise, exercise shouldn’t be a punishment. So how do you get fit, stay healthy, and enjoy life at the same time? It’s all about making small changes one step at a time – and we’re here to help you!
According to some studies, measuring both children and adults, exercise alone has a small, if any, association with weight loss and reversing obesity. That’s because our diet plays the biggest role. We’re not telling you to forgo fitness altogether — because working out can improve your mood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among other benefits — but you can’t out exercise a bad diet. So, what exactly does a healthy diet look like? That’s going to be different for everyone, but here are some tips from the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics.
Check Your Diet
Make a list of any highly processed foods or sugary drinks and snacks that you could reduce or cut out. Also consider your eating habits. Skipping meals, avoiding specific food groups, or eating in front of a screen can lead to weight gain.
Make Changes One By One
After you’ve identified areas of improvement, try making small changes. For instance, instead of a sugary cereal and milk, try fiber-rich oatmeal and kefir, like our Kefir Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. Try topping your salad with a healthy homemade dressing like our tried-and-true Kefir Ranch. Making homemade versions of our favorite foods saves money and reduces waste over time!
Find What Works for You And Stick To It
As the saying goes, the perfect diet is the one that works for you. Your success will be determined by how willing you are to make small changes and stick to them. Luckily, our blog is full of health hacks and tasty recipes that can support digestion and overall health. Before you hop on the next fad diet, take the time to identify what a healthy lifestyle means to you and how you can enjoy it. In the end, that approach is a great path to success.