Posted by Brent Crawley,
January 2, 2020
The New Year is a time for resolutions, with many of us making
at least one choice to better our health. But sometimes “healthy” choices are
simply trends that lack real value. As you decide how to set goals for improved
health this year, you might be relieved to know that there’s no pressing need
to rely on any of these fads.
You may not have any of these habits and if that’s the case,
fantastic!! But if you do, you may want to consider a resolution to
eliminate them.
Vaping. Vaping has been promoted as a great way to quit smoking,
and it truly has helped many people quit a bad habit. Unfortunately, we’re
beginning to learn that vaping isn’t necessarily the healthiest choice for your
lungs, either. More than 2,500 hundred people were hospitalized due to
vaping-related injuries last year. If you want to quit smoking, talk to
your doctor about safer ways to break your nicotine addiction.
Low-fat foods. If you want to lose
weight, avoiding fat might not be the best way to achieve that goal. Yes, an
excess amount of saturated fat can be bad for your heart. But plenty of fats
are actually good for you, in moderation, such as the unsaturated fats in olive
oil, avocados, and nuts.
Plus, avoidance of fat often just leads to an over-reliance on
carb-heavy, sugary processed foods. Those aren’t exactly healthy either.
Discuss your diet with a doctor or nutritionist, and they can help you design
an eating plan for better health that also includes beneficial fats.
Diet beverages. Diet beverages offer a
low-calorie alternative to sugary sodas, but they have their own problems.
Artificial sweeteners can actually increase your cravings for more sweetness in
your diet, leading to indulgence in cookies or candy. Plus, some
artificial sweeteners are now viewed with suspicion by researchers, due to
potential negative health effects.
Instead, switch to carbonated water infused with fruit, or try
green tea.
Faux meat. Last year we saw the rise
of many plant-based meat alternatives. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, these
provide an excellent way to enjoy some classic favorites like hamburgers, but
without the guilt.
However, over-reliance on these processed foods probably isn’t a
good idea. Many of them are high in sodium and contain a number of questionable
ingredients. They’re fine to consume here and there, but they aren’t actually
healthy enough that you should feel the need to rely upon them daily.
Now… here’s a good habit that you may want to start in
2020.
Kale. Kale has enjoyed a rise in popularity, due to
its numerous health benefits like vitamins C and K. But if you just don’t like
it, don’t force yourself to eat it. Plenty of other leafy greens offer similar
benefits, such as bok choy, collards, and mustard greens. The point is to
identify a few leafy green vegetables you do enjoy, and incorporate them into
your diet regularly. Kale is not a requirement.
As you revamp your lifestyle, remember to discuss your plans
with your doctor. He or she can guide you toward the nutritional and lifestyle
choices that will best benefit you in the coming year and beyond.
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