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<\/p>\nWe made it to 2021 and here are some practical tips on how to start healthy habits and commit to them. Even the smallest daily change can have a positive effect on your life.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
But what about the next 365 days? How can you make 2021 your year to shine?<\/p>\n
The challenges of 2020 have taught us a lot about perseverance, patience, and gratitude. Now it\u2019s time to take those lessons and use them to conquer your goals for the new year.<\/p>\n
We know there will be hurdles ahead, but we\u2019ve also learned the heavy lifts are what make us stronger \u2014 physically and emotionally.<\/p>\n
And remember: Whatever you choose to do in 2021, it doesn\u2019t have to be a big power move. Even the smallest change, the tiniest baby step forward can snowball into a huge, positive effect on your life.<\/p>\n
Here are 12 ways to start healthy habits to make 2021 your best year yet!<\/p>\n
\u201cIntentions are like a declaration we are ready for change,\u201d says\u00a0Jenna Monaco<\/a>, certified meditation and mindfulness teacher and stress coach.<\/p>\n Choose a word of the year that speaks to you and come back to it whenever you need inspiration.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Setting too many goals and setting unrealistic expectations are common\u00a0mistakes that can sabotage your goals<\/a>.<\/p>\n Small changes<\/a>, done regularly, are easier to commit to \u2014 and they quickly add up to big changes. \u201cThe progress is astounding,\u201d Monaco says.<\/p>\n For example, instead of vowing to run five miles every day, start with\u00a030 Day Breakaway<\/a>, the new running program from Super Trainer Idalis Vasquez that can build up to (and crush!) a 5K in just one month.<\/p>\n Or instead of simply resolving to \u201cbe more productive,\u201d start each day with a\u00a0meditation practice<\/a>\u00a0to clear your head.<\/p>\n \u201cInstead of looking for what you should eliminate from your diet, consider taking the opposite approach and searching for things you should add,\u201d says\u00a0Leah Barron<\/a>, R.D., L.D., CPT.<\/p>\n Make positive additions, like adding more protein to your plate and increasing your intake of fruits and veggies.<\/p>\n Collards are a Southern tradition for good luck in the new year \u2014 and a healthy option all year long.\u00a0Dark, leafy greens<\/a>\u00a0provide\u00a0vitamins A, C, E, and K<\/a>.<\/p>\n One easy way to get more of them into your daily meal plan: Blend a\u00a0greens supplement like Power Greens<\/a>, which includes veggie powders from spinach and kale, into your smoothie.<\/p>\n Switching to a plant-based diet can offer many\u00a0healthy (and eco-friendly!) benefits<\/a>. But if you\u2019re not ready to go completely meat-free, you can still add more\u00a0vegetarian dishes<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0vegan meal prep recipes<\/a>\u00a0to your weekly meal plan.<\/p>\n \u201cTry including more plant-based protein sources, such as beans, nuts, and seeds,\u201d Barron recommends.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re ready to take a bigger step, consider a\u00a0flexitarian diet<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 a mostly plant-based eating plan with the occasional meaty dish in the mix.<\/p>\n \u201cFor balanced meals, fat should be on everyone New Year\u2019s resolution list,\u201d Barron says.<\/p>\n Healthy fats can\u00a0help you feel fuller<\/a>, and research suggests high-quality fats as part of a balanced diet can\u00a0help with weight management<\/a>.<\/p>\n Barron recommends looking for\u00a0foods with healthy fats<\/a>\u00a0such as avocado, nut butters, and olive oil.<\/p>\n \u201cLeave behind the idea that\u00a0every<\/em>\u00a0workout has to be high-intensity or full of complicated moves,\u201d Barron says.<\/p>\n If you hit the weights hard or do a killer HIIT workout one day, perhaps go for a hike or a light jog the following one.<\/p>\n When it comes to achieving fitness goals, recovery is just as important as working out. After all, adaptation (muscle growth, fat loss, etc.) doesn\u2019t happen during workouts, it happens between them.<\/p>\n It\u2019s tempting to skimp on sleep so you have more time to hustle. But getting enough zzz\u2019s can\u00a0have a positive impact<\/a>\u00a0on your willpower, stress levels, and eating habits.<\/p>\n \u201cGetting enough sleep is a serious act of self-care, and something we should all strive for in 2021,\u201d Barron says.<\/p>\n Water plays a vital role in\u2026well, just about\u00a0everything<\/em>, from proper cell functioning to healthy digestion to\u00a0glowing skin<\/a>. So staying hydrated is key.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the easiest and most beneficial resolutions you can make is to drink more water,\u201d Barron says.<\/p>\n Write down five things you\u2019re grateful for each day.<\/p>\n \u201cTaking the time to notice and acknowledge all the things you are grateful for is one of the most beneficial additions you can make to your day,\u201d Monaco says. \u201cThese don\u2019t have to be huge things. In fact, they shouldn\u2019t be. It can be as simple as enjoying a perfect cup of coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFind an accountability partner, where you can cheer each other on and check in with one another often,\u201d Monaco says.<\/p>\n That could mean scheduling a\u00a0Zoom workout<\/a>\u00a0or cooking date with a friend, or connecting with an\u00a0online community<\/a>\u00a0of people who share similar goals.<\/p>\n When your willpower is waning, it\u2019ll be easier to\u00a0stick to your resolutions<\/a>\u00a0when you know someone else counting on you.<\/p>\n If you want to\u00a0maintain a healthier lifestyle<\/a>\u00a0in the coming year, it\u2019s important to make a realistic plan.<\/p>\n That includes being realistic about the fact that things won\u2019t always go exactly as planned, and you may have to make some adjustments along the way.<\/p>\n \u201cIf 2020 taught us anything, it\u2019s that we have to be adaptable,\u201d Monaco says. \u201cWork with yourself, not against yourself, and you\u2019ll be sure to shine brighter in 2021.\u201d<\/p>\n From the Team Beachbody Blog<\/a>, 2. Take One Tiny Step Every Day<\/h2>\n
3. Shift Your Healthy-Eating Mindset<\/h2>\n
4. Eat More Dark, Leafy Greens<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n5. Add More Plant-Based Recipes to Your Meal Prep<\/h2>\n
6. Get Your Healthy Fats<\/h2>\n
7. Rethink Your Workouts<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n8. Prioritize Sleep<\/h2>\n
9. Sip More Water<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n10. Practice Gratitude<\/h2>\n
11. Make it a Team Effort<\/h2>\n
12. Be Adaptable<\/h2>\n