4 ways to invest in healthier habits (and yourself) this new year

Setting goals for yourself is admirable, but make sure they’re attainable. Setting goals that are too big can make you feel discouraged and less likely to follow through. Meet your current self with compassion and look at small, sustainable changes.

For example, if you don’t work out consistently, resolving to work out every day in the new year is a tall order. Instead, start with a smaller goal, like working out twice a week. Once you can consistently exercise twice a week, bump it up to three times a week.

Another method is to break up your exercise into smaller chunks. If moving your body for 30 minutes a day sounds daunting, break up your workout into three 10-minute sessions you can do throughout the day.

2. Small substitutions instead of sacrifice

When it comes to your health, you may be tempted to restrict yourself from the things you like that aren’t the healthiest choices for you. Instead of sacrificing something that gives you pleasure, substitute it with something similar.

If you plan to do a “Dry January” in 2023, you don’t need to miss out on craft beverages or special indulgences. Instead, make a drink without alcohol and enjoy the taste of your favorite cocktail while staying “dry.” To make mixing mocktails at home easier, consider purchasing the Vitamix A3500 Entertainment Bundle, which combines the powerful, top-rated Ascent A3500 with the innovative Aer Disc Container.

The container blender acts like a muddler and a cocktail shaker, extracting essential oils and juice while chilling drinks without crushing the ice. You can use it to make delicious mocktails like a Blackberry Iced Tea Bramble or Mango Fresno Kombucha Mocktail. With so many delicious possibilities, Dry January can last as long as you like.

3. Find an accountability buddy

You don’t have to pursue your New Year’s goals alone. Finding a partner to keep you accountable throughout the year can help you keep and reach your resolutions.

According to a study by Culturelle, 68% of Americans need someone to hold them accountable when making healthy choices. Also, 63% credit their healthier habits and lifestyle to someone else who helped them along their wellness journey. Whether it’s your spouse, a friend or a co-worker, having someone to check in on your progress can help you feel more motivated to keep your commitment.

If you want to move more, have a buddy you can meet with a couple of times a week to walk together or do yoga. When you can’t meet up, text or call each other to check in or remind each other of your shared goal. Having an accountability buddy isn’t just helpful for you; you’re also helping them reach their goals.

4. Eat more whole foods

Whole foods — foods that haven’t been refined, processed or have added ingredients — are crucial to living a healthier life. By eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes in their natural state, you get the benefit of consuming the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are often missing in processed foods.

Eating whole foods can also help reduce your risk of certain health conditions. According to Nourish by WebMD, many studies have found that eating whole foods can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, many types of cancer and Type 2 diabetes.

“When you eat whole foods, you’re giving your body nature’s perfectly designed resources to not only fuel your body, but also to help protect yourself against many chronic diseases,” said Dr. Aimee Wrubel, physician and holistic medicine expert at Vitamix. “Foods that are unprocessed or minimally processed retain the innate fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that are essential for healthy living.”

But incorporating more whole foods doesn’t have to mean preparing multiple dishes from scratch at every meal. An easy way to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet is to use a blender. Whether you use it to blend greens and fruits to make a smoothie, puree beans for soups and dips or prepare a healthy dressing for your salads, a blender is a tool that makes healthy eating simpler and easier to stick with.

When looking for a blender, make sure you buy one that will last and support your long-term wellness journey. For example, a Vitamix blender lasts up to 10 times longer than the average blender and can power through the toughest whole and frozen ingredients. That means your finished blend will have a better taste and texture, making healthy eating more enjoyable and sustainable.

It’s an investment that will keep your wellness journey on track year after year.

Using these four tips, you can invest in yourself and your wellness this coming year and beyond. For more tips on how to lead a healthier life, visit www.vitamix.com.