Alright, friends. Tamale time is officially over! The new year is approaching and we plan to put the holiday snacks behind us. Goodbye cheesecake, goodbye peppermint bark, goodbye sugary alcoholic cocktails. We sure will miss you! Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans make a commitment to start off the new year healthy. Gym membership promotions echo across the TV and radio, and even mental health professionals get in the game by promoting online counseling and more. It’s the perfect time of year to brush off some extra pounds, literally and figuratively, and cut out the toxic stuff that drains you. Living a healthy lifestyle is just one way to prolong that precious life of yours, so put down the concha, and let’s get to work!
Joining a gym during the coronavirus pandemic is a tricky situation, but there are plenty of other alternative ways to make healthier decisions to prolong your life.
Consider Meeting a Nutritionist – You’ve likely heard conflicting advice on every diet imaginable, and maybe you’ve tried all of them. One way to get that cloud of confusion cleared up a bit is by scheduling an appointment with a nutritionist to share your goals. Maybe you hope to lose (or gain) a few pounds, or maybe you’re just hoping to feel more energetic. Your body is made differently than everyone else’s body, so it’s important that you get the advice of a professional to help narrow down your game plan. For example, the keto diet may work for most people, but for someone with existing high cholesterol or heart conditions might not want to have all-you-can-eat bacon and cheese until they can get their existing condition managed. Some health insurance plans will cover a visit with the nutritionist, so make a plan in the new year to get some clarity.
Write It All Down – This may sound like a no-brainer, and even downright silly, but writing down everything you eat in a day can be extremely eye-opening. For some weight loss programs like Weight Watchers, writing down what you consume is a key factor, because it forces you to acknowledge the small little treats you may pick up along the way. One Hershey Kiss is just one little chocolate, but when you start to add up all the little candy breaks or cheat meals you have throughout the week, it can seriously add up. Purchase a small lined notebook, write the date at the top, and write down everything you eat, even if it’s just one bite of something with a high caloric value. Even if you don’t calculate down the exact calories you consume, you might just be surprised yourself with all the little extras you ate here and there, inspiring you to think hard about the next time you pick up a bite of something and if you really want to partake.
Take Baby Steps – Small changes can help in a big way. Park a little bit further away from the grocery store entrance and walk at a bit of a faster pace. If you’re working remotely, take a brisk walk or bike ride in the neighborhood during your lunch break. The next time a fun holiday tune comes on your speaker, do an energetic holiday dance like no one’s watching and get a little bit out of breath. Just like food, even the little things count, so do what you can, when you can, and you’ll feel better about balancing everything out.
Each of you is so important to us, and we know your family is important to you. Do what you can to protect them now while you’re here by securing a life insurance policy that makes sense for your family. We specialize in getting you maximum coverage for a reasonable price, so let us help you get fit and get insured this new year. Stay safe and healthy and we’ll see you in 2021!
In case you missed it: Our “Last Minute Gift Ideas” post has got plenty of ideas for holiday and new year gifts for any last-minute trips you’re making to drop off well wishes. Remember to wear your mask, wave from a distance, and be careful wherever you go and whatever you give this season.
