New Years Resolution to Get Healthy? Here Are Some Simple Ideas

As the year is coming to an end I know, I'm reflecting on my peaks and valleys. Thinking about what habits I want to carry over to the new year, which I'd like to leave behind, and determining if there are any new habits I'd like to establish. Sound familiar? One of the most common resolutions I hear is that we want to be healthier, which is great but to make it happen, try to be more specific. Here are three resolutions for my kitchen this year.

1. Keep kitchen stocked with healthy options

Keeping my kitchen stocked with healthy foods will make it easier for me to reach for something healthy when hunger comes. As a part of this one, I will also try to limit the unhealthy options. For me eliminating my cheat foods is unrealistic, but if they aren't in the house, I'm more likely to settle for something healthy that is right in front of me. Engaging in a little snack and meal prep will help with this too. If I have some celery portioned, I can grab that and some peanut butter instead of a bag of crackers or chips. If you make eating healthy convenient, you are far more likely to keep up with it.

2. Use fruit to satisfy sweet tooth

I love sweet foods, and I know if I try to eliminate them, three days later I am going to find myself at the bottom of a bag of candy and feeling disappointed in myself. I love eating berries and apples and other sweet fruits, so in the coming year, I am going to try my hardest to reach for those instead of a pack of fruit snacks or candy when my sweet tooth is nagging me.

3. Use spare time in the kitchen for mini-workouts

This one may sound silly, but I used to do it, and somehow worked it out of my routine. These mini workouts on their own won't feel like much, but in addition to regular exercise, it will all add up. You have to play around a little to find what works for you, and what you have time for, but these are my favorites.

• Calf raises, do them while you're making your morning omelet, or anytime you find yourself standing at the stove stirring, or watching your food cook.

• Squats, I do these pretty much anywhere, anytime I can. Waiting for the microwave to finish reheating leftovers, squat it out. Don't stress about how many you do, focus on form.