10 Smart Resolutions for the New Year

Healthy eating
Mental health
Amis souper nouvel an - New year friends dinner

As January approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on habits that promote our well-being and health. The suggested resolutions focus on simple yet significant changes, daily adjustments that allow us to take a big step towards a more balanced lifestyle. With clear and achievable goals, these resolutions are designed to easily integrate into your daily life, guiding you towards a healthier and happier year.

1. Eating Local: A Step Towards Freshness and Sustainability

Marché fermier - Farmers market

Example Goal: Increase local produce consumption to 20% by the end of 2024.

Practical Tips:

  • Discover Farmers' Markets: Explore local farmers' markets to find fresh produce and support regional growers.
  • Seasonal Recipes: Savour the flavours of each season with our recipes featuring local ingredients like asparagus in spring, zucchinis in summer, pumpkins in fall, and turnips in winter.
  • Monthly Challenge: Try a new local product each month to diversify your diet and share your discoveries with our online community.

2. Reducing Food Waste: A Commitment to the Planet

Oranges confites - Candied oranges

Example GoalCut down food waste by 50% by December 2024.

Practical Tips:

  • Meal Planning: Organize your weekly menus to buy only what you need.
  • Creative Use of Leftovers: Learn to transform leftovers into new dishes with our tips and recipes.
  • Composting: Start composting to value your organic waste and enrich your garden.

3. Moderating Alcohol: For Optimal Health

Mocktail

Example Goal: Limit alcohol intake to one drink, twice a week.

Practical Tips:

  • Alternative Beverages: Discover our mocktail recipes, alcohol-free cocktails, for enjoyable evenings.
  • Consumption Journal: Keep a journal to track your alcohol intake and become aware of your habits.

4. Incorporating Meatless Meals: For Diversity and Health

Bol buddha - Buddha Bowl

Example Goal: Prepare two vegetarian meals per week during January.

Practical Tips:

  • Meatless Monday: Adopt this weekly habit to explore vegetarian cuisine.
  • Semi-Vegetarian Recipes: Try replacing half the meat in your usual dishes with plant proteins like lentils or tofu.
  • Discovering New Flavours: Experiment with ingredients like tofu, lentils, and legumes often used in other cultures' cuisines to discover new dishes and enrich your culinary palette.

5. Moving More: Physical Activity for a Dynamic Life

Yoga

Example Goal: Incorporate 30 minutes of dynamic physical activity into your daily routine, 3 times a week.

Practical Tips:

  • Variety of Activities: Alternate between traditional activities like swimming, cycling, or running, and daily activities like gardening or vigorous cleaning.
  • KoalaProTake advantage of your free trial on our KoalaPro platform for access to exercise programs suitable for all levels.
  • Daily Routine: Integrate moments of activity into your routine, like a walk after dinner or morning yoga.

6. Staying Hydrated: A Daily Gesture for Your Health

Eaux aromatisées - Flavoured water

Example Goal: Drink at least 2 litres of water per day.

Practical Tips:

  • Hydration Tracking: Use a marked bottle or an app to track your water consumption throughout the day.
  • Infusions and Flavoured Waters: Discover our infused water recipes to vary your choices while staying hydrated.
  • Regular Reminders: Set reminders on your phone or computer to drink water at regular intervals if you tend to forget during the day.

7. Managing Stress: Meditation for Balance

Méditation - Meditation

Example Goal: Practice meditation at least 10 minutes per day.

Practical Tips:

  • Guided Meditations on KoalaPro: Access a variety of meditations on KoalaPro to start or deepen your practice.
  • Daily Ritual: Find a quiet moment each day, like in the morning or evening, to dedicate to meditation.

8. Taking Time to Eat: A Moment of Sharing and Pleasure

Repas en famille - Family meal

Example Goal: Organize a family or friends' meal each week.

Practical Tips:

  • Meal Planning: Choose a fixed day each week for these meals, inviting family or friends to join.
  • Table Games: Introduce a playful game like the "anecdote game" where each guest shares a story or interesting fact during the meal, creating moments of sharing and laughter.
  • Digital Disconnect: Encourage a distraction-free atmosphere without digital distractions like TV or cell phones to foster conversation and strengthen bonds.

9. Reducing Screen Time: Reconnecting with the Real World

Femme faisant poterie - Woman doing potery

Example Goal: Limit personal screen time to less than 2 hours per day.

Practical Tips:

  • Screen-Free Zones: Create areas in your home where screens are not allowed, like the bedroom or dining room.
  • Alternative Activities: Replace screen time with enriching hobbies such as reading, arts, or outdoor activities.
  • Tracking and Control: Use apps to track and limit your screen time, helping you stay aware of your habits.

10. Sleeping Better: The Secrets of Restorative Sleep

Chien dormant dans un lit - Dog sleeping in bed

Example Goal: Achieve 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night.

Practical Tips:

  • Bedtime Routine: Establish a relaxing routine before bed, such as reading, meditating, or listening to soft music.
  • Sleep-Friendly Environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
  • Digital Disconnect: Avoid screens at least an hour before bed to improve your sleep quality.

Embark on a Radiant Year

Each resolution, bolstered by our tips and resources, is a step towards a year filled with well-being and happiness. Remember, success lies in perseverance and patience. Start with small steps and aim high.

If you're inspired by these resolutions and would like personalized support, feel free to schedule a consultation with a registered dietitian from TeamNutrition. Together, let's make this year your most fulfilling period!

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Halifax, Nova Scotia