Yes, it’s that time of year again. Many of us are making those “I’m going to exercise and eat healthier” New Year’s resolutions that we’re determined to keep this year. This is the year that everything changes. Time to break out the running shoes, strut your stuff at the local gym and scour thousands of diet plans in hopes of loosing those few pesky “holiday pounds”- or not.
However, most will start out with the best of intentions but the worst of strategies, often leading to unsuccessfully achieving their goals.
This year, make a New Year’s resolution to obtain realistic lifestyle changes that you can achieve! Below are ten realistic resolutions from Fruits & Veggies More Matters to keep you on track for 2012:
Save money by eating more fruits & veggies!
A new study released by the USDA found that an adult on a 2,000-calorie diet could satisfy recommendations for fruits and vegetables at an average of $2 to $2.50 per day, or about 50 cents per one-cup serving. Money-Saving Tip Sheet | Read More about the Study
Fill half your plate with fruits & veggies
Making fruits and vegetables the focal point of every meal will help you meet your recommended amount each day—and you won’t have to do all the math! The new healthy MyPlate icon developed by the USDA supports this concept … fill half your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables at every meal!
Get 150 minutes of exercise per week
Getting 30 minutes of exercise five (5) days a week is not realistic for many people. As with any New Year’s resolution … the more realistic, the better! So, break it up to fit your lifestyle. For example, do 75 minutes of exercise for two (2) days a week or three (3) 1-hour sessions a week. See Our Exercise Guide
Have a family dinner at least 2 nights per week
The statistics are clear: Kids who dine with the folks are healthier, happier and better students, which is why a dying tradition is coming back. To stimulate positive family relationships, healthier meals, and new traditions start making family meals a priority! 19 Easy Family Meal Makeover Ideas
Try a vegetarian recipe once a week
Research has shown rates of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are lower among long-term vegetarians vs non-vegetarians. Learn More about Vegetarian Meals
Go green
Look for locally-grown produce, eat a more plant-based diet, and visit your local farmer’s market. The closer to home produce is grown, the less it has to travel, and the less environmental impact it will have. See What’s in Season
Back to Resolution List
Get your kids excited about fruits & veggies!
This is easier said than done, right? Let us help. We have lots of tips and tricks to help get your kids enthusiastic about their fruits & veggies! See our Top 10 Ways to Get Kids Interested in Fruits & Veggies and try our kid-friendly recipes.
Become a healthier cook
Cooking is a great way to use your creative juices and turn them in to food masterpieces. Our featured healthy plates provide tasty meals that help you meet your daily fruit & veggie recommendations.
See Unhealthy/Healthy Plate Comparisons | Top 10 Healthy Ways to Cook
Eat ONE MORE fruit or vegetable each day
Taking one step at a time to transform unhealthy eating habits into nutritious ones is the best way to make the transition to a healthier diet! Take the pledge to eat one more fruit or vegetable each day.
Become an expert at planning!
Planning is essential to making any kind of change. Start each week with a few healthy meals in mind and always have a well-stocked pantry for those last-minute creations!
Healthy Meal Planning Guide | Menu A Day
Source: Fruits & Veggies More Matters
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/?page_id=22815
