Health Habits in the New Year: Tips for a Healthier You

As we embark on a new year, the desire to adopt healthier habits and prioritize well-being is at the forefront of many people’s minds. At TexStar Chiropractic, we understand the importance of cultivating healthy lifestyle practices so you can get and stay out of pain. Dr. Tran of our Bee Cave clinic delves into the significance of healthier eating habits. He is a master at meal prepping and offers practical tips to help you stay on track with your healthy goals.

Healthier Eating Habits

Stick to the Perimeter of the Store

A crucial step in fostering healthier eating habits is to be mindful while grocery shopping. A helpful tip is to stick to the perimeter of the store, where you’ll find the fresh, whole foods. This includes fruits and vegetables, lean meats, grass-fed/free-range dairy products, and whole grains. The outer aisles typically house the essential building blocks of a nutritious diet, while the inner aisles often feature processed and packaged foods that tend to be higher in added sugars, excessive sodium, and unhealthy fats.

Check Your Labels

When opting for packaged foods, it’s important to carefully examine the labels for hidden sugars, excessive sodium, and unhealthy fats. By scrutinizing the ingredient list and nutrition facts, you can make informed decisions about the products you purchase. Aim to select items with minimal added sugars and lower sodium content. Additionally, prioritize healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, coconuts, and avocados, while steering clear of trans fats and overly processed seed oils like safflower, canola, or vegetable oil.

Mindful Meal Planning

Embarking on a journey towards healthier eating often involves meal planning. Taking the time to plan your meals can help you make healthier choices, control portion sizes, and reduce the likelihood of succumbing to unhealthy temptations. By incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your meal plan, such as lean proteins, whole grains, and an abundance of colorful vegetables, you can be confident your body receives essential nutrients it needs to thrive.

The Importance of Meal Prepping

Stay on Track with Your Goals

Meal prepping is a cornerstone of maintaining healthy eating habits. By devoting time to prepare meals or ingredients in advance, you set yourself up for success in adhering to your goals. Meal prepping also enables you to have wholesome, portion-controlled meals readily available, minimizing the reliance on convenient, yet less nutritious, options or fast-food.

Ensure Healthy Choices and Better Portion Control

The beauty of meal prepping lies in its ability to facilitate healthier choices and promote better portion control. By dedicating a portion of your time to prepping your meals, you can incorporate a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods into your diet, fostering a balanced and wholesome approach to eating. Moreover, having pre-portioned meals at your disposal can help prevent overeating and empower you to make mindful decisions about your food intake.

By prioritizing healthier eating habits and embracing the practice of meal prepping, you can pave the way for a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle in the new year. Making conscious choices at the grocery store and investing time in planning and preparing your meals can yield significant benefits for your overall well-being. At TexStar Chiropractic, we encourage you to take proactive steps toward better health and wellness, starting with small, sustainable changes that will have a lasting impact on your journey to a healthier you.

Contact us to schedule your new year consultation and take the next step toward a healthier you!