Health

Hello Healthy 2016!

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Where has the time gone?? I can’t even believe that it’s the New Year! The last few weeks have been a blur. Between projects, papers, assignments, finals, and then Christmas, shopping, family, festivities and fun… it seems that the time has just flown by! Well, here we are, ready to say ‘hello’ to a healthy, happy 2016!

I’m sure you probably know by now that I do NOT jump on the “all-or-nothing” band wagon that so easily comes with New Year’s Resolutions. People swear off sugar, promise to workout daily and sign up for diet plans that we all know won’t last… So I’m sure it comes as no surprise to you that I don’t have ANY New Years Resolutions. That being said, I DO have some 2016 goals. Sure resolutions and goals sound the same… and maybe it’s just semantics. Resolutions are declarations or decisions, but goals are more about intention and ambition. I like to think that goals take baby steps. I believe that healthy, maintainable goals shouldn’t be extreme. So here are they are:

My Top 16 Tips to make 2016 your healthiest year yet!

  1. Ditch the diet. My fave Instagram hashtag! Skip the restriction and deprivation that inevitably ends up backfiring and opt for healthy, manageable LIFESTYLE changes. 
  2. Eat more fruits and veggies. Okay, so you just ditched the ‘diet’ mindset… now what?? Focus on adding good food to your meals and snacks, naturally crowding out the bad stuff. Think fresh fruit smoothies, garden salads, warm baked sweet potatoes and crunchy carrots. 
  3. Move more. Get up and get out! You don’t need a gym membership to live an active lifestyle. Simply take a walk around your block or park far away. Here are some great ‘non-gym’ ways to stay fit and fabulous this year! 
  4. Be grateful. There is SO much that we take for granted. The fact that you’re even reading this means that you have a phone or computer. Many of us are blessed with homes and heat and family and friends! Remember to count your blessings and cultivate an ‘attitude of gratitude’ this year!
  5. Eat plants-based protein. Sure, I enjoy some chicken on my salad or eggs for breakfast… but I try to limit that and eat mostly plants based. My suggestion? Make sure you’re getting enough protein from vegan sources! Think peanut butter on brown rice toast, lentil soup and rice and beans at dinner!
  6.  Drink green juice. Green juice is loaded with nutrients and it’s the quickest, easiest way for your body to absorb all those greens! Plus, it’s naturally delicious. My fave? Mean Greens by Garden of Flavor
  7. Sub almond milk. You guys know that I’m dairy free… but even if you’re not, almond milk has less calories and more calcium than regular milk, plus it’s creamy and delicious. Make sure to get unsweetened so that it’s naturally sugar free!
  8. Skip the soda. It’s loaded with nasty flavorings and syrups and mysterious colorings… Gross! I haven’t had soda in 7 years! Craving something bubbly? Go for seltzer and add a splash of lemon for some extra flavor.
  9. Eat breakfast. I’ve written so many posts about the importance of eating a balanced breakfast! It gives you the energy and nutrition your body needs to start the day off right. Checkout this post to see some of my fave brekkies!
  10. Eat balanced meals. Carb free? Not me! Your body needs balance and that starts with a healthy meal. Make sure to included some unrefined carbohydrates, satiating protein and healthy fat at each meal. (Think a sweet potato, some baked salmon and some green beans lightly sautéed in olive oil)!
  11. Treat-yo-self! Life’s too short to skip dessert, am I right?! Enjoy some dark chocolate after a long day… make sure it’s 70% or higher (to insure added health benefits) and purchase Fair Trade Certified to ensure ethical farming! (My fave kind is Theo 70% Organic Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt! YUM)!
  12. De-stress. A healthy life is so much more than just what you eat. Find healthy ways to de-stress, i.e. long walks, chatting with a friend or going out for a run. (Stay tuned for more posts on how to handle stress)!
  13. Stay hydrated. Water is essential, yet some of us are walking around dehydrated. Water promotes healthy cell function, reduces appetite, and even helps you think more clearly. Easy goal for 2016- carry a water bottle! 
  14. Surround yourself with positivity. I love my friends! There’s nothing quite like a solid group of good friends! Whether you’re stressed-out or anxious, positive people remind you that you’re loved and that it’s going to be okay! 
  15. Cut down on caffeine. Uhhhh… this is a big goal for me! I’m a coffee lover– I cannot lie! Sure, there’s nothing wrong with a nice cup of Joe in the AM, but daily headaches and caffeine dependence means it’s time to cut down.
  16. Have fun! Don’t take yourself too seriously. Remember to live, laugh and love… and make 2016 YOUR happiest, healthiest year yet. Hello Healthy 2016!!

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What about you?? Do you have any special goals for the New Year?!

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24 Comments

  • Reply Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers

    Love these! I like what you mentioned about seltzer rather than soda. My FAV drink treat is seltzer with a splash of 100% grapefruit juice. It’s like drinking a fresca; so yummy! 🙂

    January 1, 2016 at 11:40 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Oh my gosh… that sounds amazing! I def want to give it a try! 🙂 YUM! Also, seltzer with a splash of orange juice tastes like orange soda!

      January 5, 2016 at 5:43 pm
  • Reply Rach @ This Italian Family

    I LOVE those purple pants on you! Such a pretty color! Also, how was I not already following you on Instagram?! Fixed now!

    January 2, 2016 at 3:39 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks girl! …and yay 🙂 So glad we could connect via IG!

      January 5, 2016 at 5:42 pm
  • Reply Tandy | Lavender and Lime

    Fantastic tips Cailee! May 2016 hold all your dreams 🙂

    January 4, 2016 at 4:58 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Tandy! Same for you!!

      January 5, 2016 at 5:42 pm
  • Reply Liv @ Healthy Liv

    At least 7 hours (optimally 8) of sleep every night is my goal, even during busy school weeks. I know I function so much better when I’m more rested, but sleep’s such an easy thing to skimp on to save time. Great tips, Cailee!

    By the way, your maroon pants are the cutest!

    January 4, 2016 at 6:33 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Liv!! You’re so sweet! …and for sure. Sleep is SO important!

      January 5, 2016 at 5:41 pm
  • Reply Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy

    Happy New Year! I love those purple yoga pants 🙂
    My main goal for this year is to eat more vegetables, as I was a bit slack with last year.

    January 4, 2016 at 7:32 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks love! …and you can do it! Here’s to a veggie-packed 2016!

      January 5, 2016 at 5:41 pm
  • Reply Lisa @ Chocolate Meets Strawberry

    Excellent tips, Cailee! The health goal I’ve set myself this year is to exercise betweeen 30 and 45 minutes most days. So far, so good! (Mind you it’s only the 4th of January – haha! Let’s see how I go) Wishing you a very Happy New Year! 🙂

    January 4, 2016 at 7:46 am
    • Reply Cailee

      That’s a great goal!! …and you’ve got this 🙂

      January 5, 2016 at 5:40 pm
  • Reply Alida @mylittleitaliankitchen

    Great tips for the new year! A good start of the year is important with new goals and dreams.. and I have many of those too! Love your blog 🙂

    January 4, 2016 at 1:04 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks so much!! Happy 2016!

      January 5, 2016 at 5:40 pm
  • Reply David @ Spiced

    This is a great list, Cailee! I think the biggest one on there for me is drink more water. I just don’t love water. I don’t mind it, but I don’t love it either. So my goal is to increase my daily water intake. (Does coffee count as water? It’s made with water…haha!)

    January 4, 2016 at 1:20 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Haha! I love coffee! …and that’s a great goal. Maybe if you try making it with things, like some fresh fruit slices, or blending coconut water into a smoothie! YUMMY ways to stay hydrated!

      January 5, 2016 at 5:40 pm
  • Reply Susie @ SuzLyfe

    GREAT tips. Love this! Health is a lifestyle, and one that pays dividends!

    January 4, 2016 at 5:28 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thank you!! And for sure! It’s all about lasting lifestyle changes!

      January 5, 2016 at 5:39 pm
  • Reply Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness

    Love these tips, Cailee! I rely on pretty much all of these tips to live a healthy, happy life! Wishing you a great start to 2016 🙂

    January 6, 2016 at 5:05 am
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Nicole!! So glad that you agree with the tips 🙂 Happy 2016!

      January 9, 2016 at 8:46 pm
  • Reply Julie @ Running in a Skirt

    Such great tips! I sub almond milk and am a fan!

    January 9, 2016 at 4:05 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Julie! Almond milk is my FAVE 🙂

      January 9, 2016 at 8:46 pm
  • Reply Heather McClees

    Love these:) I do miss my coffee at points, but I feel so much better without it. Keep up the hard work girl, you are amazing!:)

    January 13, 2016 at 9:58 pm
    • Reply Cailee

      Thanks Heather! You’re the sweetest!! Glad that you’re feeling great!

      January 20, 2016 at 5:17 am

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