Say goodbye to poor habits that prevent you from enjoying optimal health and say hello to a healthier, more vibrant you in 2024. Embrace New Year’s resolutions that can change your life for the better.
Aim for a healthier body in 2024 by committing to practicing better nutrition habits. Staying hydrated is critical for overall functioning of the body, according to Cori Stern, D.C., natural health expert and owner of Queens-based HealthPoint Natural Nutrition and Chiropractic Center. Proper hydration helps to keep your joints and muscles more flexible, maintain a youthful appearance, and improve memory and focus, she notes.
“Stop eating sugar,”Stern advises. Sugar causes inflammation and creates an obstacle to your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, she explains. High sugar intake can lead to many diseases and is also highly addictive. “Wean off it gently and try replacing sugary foods with good-quality fats to help with cravings,” says Stern. She suggests enjoying avocado drizzled with olive oil, nuts, nut butters, and full-fat yogurt with low-sugar fruits, such as berries.
A New Year’s resolution that motivates the mind and body to move forward can help you to be both happier and more successful in your endeavors, says Nicole Cottone, certified integrative nutrition health coach at Finding Your Balance in Huntington. “Replace negative energy with positive,” she advises. Cultivating positive thoughts fosters improved self-dialogue and greater connection with ourselves. It also inspires a deeper desire to embody a healthier, more mindful self. “Surround yourself with positive people who support your well-being,” Cottone suggests. “Create distance between you and those who don’t support your health and happiness.”
Make yourself a priority. Acknowledge that you’re worthy of happiness, success and self-care. Says Cottone, “Our body, mind and spirit are interconnected. Unless all three are nurtured, we find ourselves out of balance.” Engage in at least one activity per day that makes you happy, she suggests.
When setting out to achieve your New Year’s resolutions, be realistic about your goals and your motivation, says Anthony Pusateri, D.C., a chiropractor based in Bohemia. “You must have a strong enough ‘why.’ Why do I want this goal? What does it bring to my life? What am I willing to do to achieve it? … Goals are accomplished more by who you are than by what you do,” he says. Setting realistic timelines can help to make your goals much more attainable and allow you to experience achievement along the way.
The new year is an ideal time to start fresh with practical resolutions that can only improve your life, says Cottone. Celebrate the new year by incorporating healthier habits into your daily routine. Enjoy the benefits of those positive and productive changes in 2024 and beyond.
