As the year ends, many people find themselves making promises or resolutions they hope to fulfill in the year to come. New Year’s resolutions can be as small as saving a portion of every paycheck or as big as losing 20 pounds, but they often fall on the back burner as life gets busy again. It can also be daunting when that list of resolutions you made grows longer than your shopping list for the holidays. However, Xtrema Pure Ceramic Cookware hopes to change all that by offering several ideas that may actually stick. We rounded up some of our favorite small New Year’s resolutions that can lead to a healthier you in the process.
1. Make and go to primary care appointments. Your health is incredibly important. One of the best ways to monitor your health and make any necessary changes is by visiting your primary care physician at least once a year. General practitioners are responsible for looking at general problems rather than specifics, which provides the peace of mind you need to proceed with work, travel, and everyday activities. You should always visit your doctor if you have a concern or there has been a big change to your health, but your doctor can also help you create health goals for the months to come. Make your health a priority this year by devising a plan that works for you and contacting your primary care office to make an appointment.
2. Make a file about your family’s health history. Staying on top of your health is essential to creating a healthier you in the new year, but what you may not realize is that a lot of information about you can be found in your family tree. You inherit half of your genetic profile from each parent, and your genetic profile can dictate what you look like as well as your risk of having certain medical conditions or diseases. By compiling a family medical history, you can identify patterns and decrease your risk of illness. A family medical history can be used by your doctor to assess your risk of disease, determine which diagnostic tests to order, recommend changes in diet or other lifestyle habits, recommend treatments, identify conditions, and assess your risk of passing a condition onto your descendants. You can ask your family for help to get as much information as possible.
3. Get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Inadequate sleep can not only take a toll on your mood but it can also wreak havoc on your ability to handle stress and stay mentally alert. Most adults should strive to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night, but the amount you need can vary depending on age or other health factors. Try to take notice of how you feel as you go about your day. It can also be helpful to keep a sleep log or drink herbal tea just before bed.
4. Meal plan and prep every Sunday. It may not seem like it now but organizing your meals in advance can make it easier to organize other parts of your life. Meal prepping is the latest craze in healthier living, and for good reason. Meal planning makes it easier to shop and cook on separate days, keep your fridge neat, save time cooking and cleaning up, as well as reduce snacking. Not all storage containers are up to the task of maintaining flavor and freshness, but our signature food storage containers are. Simply prep your favorite ingredients and store them in your silicone containers until they are ready to be used.
5. Eat every two to three hours. Snacking isn’t always a sore point for people who are trying to lose weight and improve their health choices. Most people eat two to three meals per day, which can cause blood sugar levels to drop and may make them feel hungry more often. However, eating a portion-controlled meal every two to three hours allows you to speed up your metabolism. Plus, knowing what food you have to look forward to will decrease the desire to snack while you’re working or driving.
6. Drink enough water. Hydration increases the joints’ ability to absorb shock, delivers oxygen throughout the body, cushions sensitive tissues, aids the digestive system, flushes body waste, and makes nutrients more accessible. Hydration is also key to creating a heathier version of yourself, but how much is enough water per day? Although there is no universally agreed upon amount, adult men should consume about 15 cups and adult women should consume about 11 cups of water per day.
7. Switch to ceramic cookware. What you use to cook your food is almost as important as the ingredients you choose to make homecooked meals. By switching to ceramic cookware, you can count on mouthwatering meals that are also highly nutritious. Ceramics have been used for thousands of years and are one of the oldest cooking surfaces known to man. Ceramics have infrared heating properties, allowing ingredients to cook from both the inside and the outside simultaneously. Moreover, every ceramic pot or pan we offer is treated with a triple-fired ceramic glaze that’s resistant to high heat and thermal shock, so they won’t leach any chemicals or unwanted flavors into the food you prepare. You can also prepare meals faster, save on energy consumption, and take any leftovers straight from the stovetop or oven to the fridge for an easy meal.
Hopefully these small New Year’s resolutions for a healthier you have inspired you to take on the new year with a fresh perspective. If you have any questions about these suggestions or our signature selection of ceramic cookware, please contact us today for additional information or further assistance from a friendly representative.
