Lifestyle Success in 2024

January 8, 2024

As we approach a new year, many will focus on improved health in 2024. While “lose weight” and “exercise” more are popular areas of focus, there are a variety of other opportunities to improve your health. Big changes all at once can set us up for failure. Try picking one or two larger items, or a few smaller items. After being successful in integrating it into your lifestyle, consider adding another. It can take a whopping 66 days of consistency to make something a habit. If you want long-term results, plan on slow and steady changes to implement throughout the year and beyond!

• Drink plenty of plain water (coffee, tea, sports/electrolyte drinks, pop doesn’t count!). You should be for 12-16 cups per day.
• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Our bodies get nutrients from different colors and different foods, so mix it up and include a variety on your plate.
• Get enough sleep. Sleep is our body’s way not just to rest but to repair. It is essential to overall health. Most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Incorporate strength training into your workout routine. Lacing up the tennis shoes and hitting the treadmill and spin bike are great cardiovascular workouts, however don’t forget to train your muscles! Strength training can be an effective workout to aid your weight loss goals, is good for your bone health, and makes everyday tasks seem easier.
• Consider not just what you eat, but WHEN you eat. Fasting is gaining wide popularity for its ability to change our health on a cellular level. It’s not simply a weight-loss tool (although if done properly, has been proven quite effective for weight loss) but for those looking to boost their energy, improve mental clarity and focus, improve gut microbiome and immune function, fasting may be the tool you need. Email me and share with me your goals and I’ll connect you with the most appropriate resource on fasting for you.
• Nourish meaningful relationships in your life. Call a friend to catch up, put your phone away and do uninterrupted 1-on-1 time with your child or grandchild, sit and pet your dog or cat. All these things can balance our hormones that combat stress in our lives and help us lead more healthy and meaningful lives.

Set a specific goal, indicate why changing is important for you, and track the efforts you are making. Measure if you are making progress towards your goal. If you are, look at what efforts/behaviors were behind that. If you are not making progress towards your goal, identify areas of problem behavior or focus needed. Reach out to Dr. Mary Rose Strickland: DrMaryRose@newlifept.com with any individual or specific questions regarding how to meet your lifestyle goals this year!