5 Health Changes To Make This New Year – NO DIETS INCLUDED!

Feb 1, 2019 | Nutrition

Now everyone is getting back into the swing of work life and the kids are starting to go back to school it’s a good time to prioritise your health start to embrace change with being more conscious of your food choices and also your mindset. It’s all about creating positive habits, rituals and maybe even challenging yourself a little bit.

When making changes start small, don’t overwhelm yourself with trying it do it all and forget about crazy diets (diets don’t work, research has proven that), it’s about a lifestyle and mindset change.

Here are five health changes you can make this new year – which don’t include any dieting!

1. Drink more water
If there one thing I’m telling the majority of my clients to do, it’s to drink more water. Dehydration will affect our health more than any other factor. So, make it a habit to drink 2 litres daily. And no, unfortunately coffee does not substitute for water. Keep a large bottle on your work desk or carry one in your bag. If it’s in your vision you’ll be able to stick to this easier.

2. Just eat real food
Eat the NB nutrition way! Simply by eating wholefoods. Focus on eating foods that are found in nature, aka not in a packet! This means lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, eggs, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds. If you eat this way you instantly increase your nutritional intake by increasing your vitamin, mineral and antioxidant profile. Your body will LOVE this burst of nutrients and will respond so well. It truly is the best way to support a healthy weight, stablize moods, stablize energy levels, support digestive health, mental health, immune health and so much more. If you need recipe inspo head over to my recipe section. I have loads of recipes for you to enjoy which all use wholefoods, are easy to make (because I’m all about quick healthy meals), and taste delicious!

3. Make cooking at home a regular event
When you prioritize cooking at home more you are prioritising your health more. You are in control of what you cook and put into your mouth. Make it a habit to commit to cooking at home at least 5 nights per week. Make this non-negotiable for one month (only 4 weeks out of your very long life), it’s nothing in the big scheme on things but it could transform your health! It’s also much more affordable. Challenge yourself with this, and even reward yourself for doing it by getting a massage, your nails done, or anything that you enjoy. Here are 5 simple meals which you can prep in 15 minutes or less, simple chicken stir-fry, simple prawn salad, teriyaki salmon – one pan meal, 5 minute rocket & chickpea salad, 15-minute pesto pasta.

4. Move your body regularly
Remove the pressure to exercise for an hour daily, instead focus on regular movement. If you’re currently not exercising start off with exercising 2x per week for 20 minutes, then build this up to 30 minutes. Then add in a third day of exercise for 30 minute. Ideally if you can move your body most days, 4-6 days a week for 30 minutes you’re winning in my books! Do exercise you enjoy, you don’t need to punish yourself at the gym or in a gym class you don’t actually enjoy, find a way to move your body that suits you, a few good examples are hiking, walking, swimming, pilates, yoga, weight and resistance training.

5. Be kind to yourself
No one is perfect. So don’t expect to eat perfectly, exercise daily, meditate daily and do everything at one. Start with small changes, such as the ones listed above and stick to these until they become a habit before trying to do it all at once. If you fall off the wagon, eat some fast food, don’t exercise for two weeks, it’s okay, you’re human, forgive yourself and move on. And always acknowledge the small wins, and do your best. I always say to follow the 80/20 rule, it’s all about what you do MAJORITY of the time, not what you do sometimes.

If you need a personalized plan put in place get in touch with me today. I know it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start making changes, before I changed careers to holistic nutrition I too used to struggle with this. Because of my own experiences, I have a genuine desire to help others get well and stay well. I will educate, encourage and motivate you to take control of your own health so you can feel amazing and full of life every single day – and I’d love to help you! So, get in touch if this is something you’re struggling with and let’s start your journey to wellness!

Nat xx

Hi I’m Natalie, a Registered Clinical Nutritionist, health influencer, blog writer & recipe creator. My own health complications prompted me to make positive diet & lifestyle changes, revitalize my health leading to a career change from the corporate world to nutritional medicine. I believe in a wholefoods approach to good health, focusing on simple strategies for modern, busy people. 

Let's connect @nataliebradynutrition 

The information on this website is not intended to replace the advice of your GP, a one on one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is not intended for self-diagnosis, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. The entire content of this website is based on the opinions of Natalie Brady, a qualified Holistic Nutritionist, unless otherwise noted. Click here for term and conditions of services.

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