With the start of a new year just around the corner, it's the perfect time to have a refreshed perspective on our health and well-being so we can continue to improve ourselves day by day. The new year brings new possibilities when it comes to our wellness routines, but sometimes it's hard to know where to begin. If you're feeling unsure how to get started or which goals to set for the year, here are five expert tips on how to have a refreshed routine for the year that focuses on nutrition and health.
1. Keep it simple
It's easier said than done, but keep it simple! Eating healthy can feel daunting - do you change everything that you're eating, do you follow the latest trends? One simple and realistic strategy is to start by adding more nutrition to the meals and snacks you're already eating. Here are a few examples: top yogurt and oatmeal bowls with almonds, add a handful of greens to things like smoothies, stir frys and omelets, or add a side salad to go with any main dish.
2. Snack on healthy whole foods
There are so many options for snacks these days, but not all are created equal. Snacks that contain protein, fiber and healthy fat, and are low in sugar, will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day. Almonds contain 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber along with 13 grams of "good" unsaturated fat and 1 gram of saturated fat per serving, making them a great well-rounded snack, plus there are many ways to enjoy them to keep things fun.
3. Nourish your skin from within
With so much emphasis on the perfect skincare routine, one thing often overlooked is supporting our skin from within with foods that contain essential skin-benefiting nutrients like almonds. A handful of almonds provides 50% of your recommended daily value of vitamin E in one serving, which helps protect skin cells from the damaging effects of free radicals caused by pollution, UV rays, cigarette smoke, and other factors.
4. Prioritize your magnesium intake
Most of us are not meeting the daily recommended amount of magnesium in our diets. The good news is almonds can help. Almonds are an excellent source of magnesium, which aids in the production of energy in the body as well as supports a healthy immune system. Add almond butter to breakfast toast, almonds as salad toppings, or as a simple snack.
5. Challenge yourself
Pick up a plant food (think fruit, vegetables, or nuts like almonds) at the grocery store or farmers market that you've never tried before and challenge yourself to try it. Not only does this help keep things fun and fresh in the kitchen, but it also adds more nutrition to your diet, helps to improve gut health, and can help improve your relationship with food.