A new beginning. A clean slate. A new beginning. However you look at it, the New Year is a time when we hope to create healthier habits with health and wellness.
With all the diets, fads, and products on the market that promise unrealistic results for health and fitness goals, it can seem overwhelming to know where to start.
The perfect solution to create a healthier life in the new year and for years to come to adjust your diet and work with a registered dietitian. Improving eating habits can be difficult, which is why dietitians recommend starting with small changes that can help improve energy and sleep levels and make clothes fit a little better.
An easy way to start improving your health is to make simple kitchen changes that can make small changes to your overall nutrition. Here are five simple exchanges.
Salted Almonds instead of French Fries: When you want a salty and crunchy snack, try a handful of nuts instead of reaching for a bag of potato chips. Nuts contain heart-healthy unsaturated fats along with fiber and are a low-sodium option.
Spinach instead of iceberg lettuce: Spinach has more protein, calcium, iron, fiber, and minerals than iceberg lettuce. Lettuce is still nutritious; spinach is simply a better nutritional offering per serving.
Whole Grain Muffin instead of White Muffin: Whole grains are rich in protein, fiber, B vitamins, and many other nutrients that can help lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and help control weight.
An apple instead of apple juice: To get all the benefits, opt for a whole piece of fruit instead of fruit juice. Whole fruit has more nutritional value, less sugar, and fewer calories.
Black coffee instead of soda: For an energy boost, make a cup of coffee or green or black tea instead of drinking a caffeinated soda. Coffee and tea do not contain sugar and are rich in antioxidants.
The information is not intended to be medical advice. Consult a medical professional for individual advice. Have a question for your Hy-Vee dietitian? Contact Anne at [email protected] or call her at 515.695.3794. Your question will be answered and may appear with your permission.
This article originally appeared on the Des Moines Register: From the Dietitian: These 5 Changes May Lead You to a Healthier Life in 2022
