Make Some Healthy Resolutions for 2019

January 2019

A Letter from the Administrator

As surely as a new year rolls around, people make resolutions. These often involve losing weight or, more vaguely, “getting healthy.”

What do we mean by “getting healthy”? Yes, losing excess weight is part of that, but there’s much more to the equation. Here are some areas to consider for your overall health improvement.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water is important throughout the year, not just to replenish lost liquids in the heat of summer. When you hear “drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day,” that means every day. Eating out? Ask for water instead of tea or soda. Keep a large reusable water bottle handy at your desk and sip throughout the day. Resolve to drink it all before the end of the day.

Get active

Being active doesn’t mean you have to do a high-impact aerobic workout every day (although if that’s your thing, go right ahead)! Start with something doable, maybe a walk around the block every morning or every evening after dinner. Get into a regular habit, but if it starts feeling routine, add time/distance or consider carrying light weights for a little resistance. Before you know it, you might want to get active in that Zumba class.

Eat a balanced diet

Make fruits and vegetables the stars of your plate — 5 to 7 servings a day. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts should make up only 2 servings a day. Enjoy 3 servings of milk, yogurt or cheese daily, with 1 serving of wholegrain cereals and breads, pastas, rice or potatoes at each meal. Enjoy oils, fats and spreads sparingly, and save things high in sugar, fat and salt for occasional indulgences — not every day. If sugar has been an important part of your intake, wean yourself off it.

Don’t stress about it

Did you gain a pound instead of losing it? Instead of beating yourself up about it, just be more mindful of what’s going into your mouth or what activity you’re getting. Stress can do a number on us — literally. Elevated blood pressure is only one possible result. Find ways to relax, whether it’s with a good book, family members, your pet, or just some quiet “me” time with a cup of herbal tea on the front porch. Being good to yourself is one of the most important ways of taking care of yourself.