Welcome to this month’s Healthy Living Corner, where we celebrate health and wellness through practical tips and seasonal inspirations.
As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time to renew our commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Let’s kick off 2025 with some ideas to promote well-being and vitality.
Most of us will make some sort of New Year’s resolution in January. However, many people give up on their resolutions in the first two weeks of the year, often succumbing to what’s known as “Quitter’s Day” on the second Friday of January. To increase the likelihood of sticking to your resolutions, consider these strategies:
Strategies to Survive “Quitter’s Day”
Set Small Milestones: For instance, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds this year, break it down into smaller monthly goals of 1-2 pounds. Celebrate each milestone with a non-food reward, like treating yourself to a movie or a relaxing day at the spa.
Prioritize Sustainable Routines: Instead of committing to a drastic workout plan, prioritize daily activities you enjoy, like walking in nature or dancing to your favorite music. This sustainable approach makes it easier to stick with over time.
Embrace Lifestyle Changes: Shift from a goal of cutting
out all sweets to incorporating more fruits into your diet. This adjustment helps manage cravings and adds nutritional value to your meals.
Staying Motivated Throughout the Year
Visualize Success: Create a vision board with pictures of healthy meals, fitness activities you enjoy, and inspirational quotes. Place it where you’ll see it daily for a visual reminder of your goals.
Find Support: Join a local running group if your goal is to run a marathon, or start a healthy recipe exchange with friends to keep meal planning exciting and varied.
Reflect and Adjust: If your goal is to reduce stress, try different relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing until you find one that resonates with you.
By implementing these strategies, you can navigate “Quitter’s Day” and maintain momentum toward a healthier and happier year ahead. Remember, each small step you take brings you closer to your goals. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling 2025!
Recipe: Quinoa and Chickpea Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbs. honey or maple syrup
(optional) - 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and mint.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup (if using), minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Salad: Add cooled quinoa to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve: Divide the salad into bowls and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this refreshing and nutrient-packed salad as a satisfying meal or a side dish.
Tips: This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s versatile and can be customized with other vegetables or protein sources like grilled chicken or tofu.
