Top Tips to Kickstart a Healthy New Year
Are you looking for some quick ways to kick start your new year in a healthy way?
Here are a dietitians top tips to starting the new year off on a healthy note that you will be able to maintain throughout the whole year.
1. Plan, plan, plan
One common barrier to healthy eating is time and preparation. One of the best ways around this is to sit down once a week e.g. on a Sunday, and plan out meals for the week. Write out a quick plan for lunches and dinners.
2. Shop Smart
Once I have my meals for the week planned out, I then will write a shopping list. Doing one big grocery shop rather than ducking down to the supermarket after work each day not only saves time but saves money! Hot tip: look through the weekly supermarket specials and focus your main meals around these to save even more!
3. The Five Food Groups
Aiming for a diet made up of mainly wholefoods from the five food groups will set you up for a healthy year. The five food groups are:
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Lean meat and poultry
- Grains and cereals
- Dairy
4. Plan some time for physical activity
Plan out some time for physical activity during the week. This may be as simple as taking the dog for a walk or starting up at the gym or a running club. Setting an allocated time for exercise will help you implement this healthy habit. According to the most recent guidelines from the Australian Government, adults should aim for at least:
- 2.5-5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity per week (this includes walking, golf, swimming, mowing the lawn)
OR
- 1.25-2.5 hours of vigorous intensity physical activity per week (jogging, cycling, netball)
5. Work with an Accredited Practising Dietitian
If you have any concerns or questions regarding nutrition it is best to see an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). A dietitian can offer individualised evidence-based nutrition advice to help you improve your health.
Here at Ward Nutrition our friendly dietitians can help with a wide range of nutritional concerns including weight management, food allergies, food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, fussy eating, women’s health and many more. Contact us today on 6362 9806 or visit our website to book an appointment.
Olivia Medway (APD)
