10 Health Resolutions to Make in 2025
A new year is here again, which means everyone is making their New Year’s Resolutions! Let me help you out a bit by giving you a short and simple list of health goals you should actually be trying to achieve this year.
Drink More Water
Aim for at least half your weight (in kilograms) in ounces of water per day. Water is essential for maintaining sufficient energy, growing healthy and nails, and having glowing skin. Aside from the aesthetic benefits of water, increasing water intake can help with digestion, weight loss, and improves physical performance.
Eat More Protein
I know everyone is going on different diets this time of year, trying to lose the few pounds they gained over the holiday season, but from a nutrition standpoint - protein is key! It’s going to help you lose fat, build muscle, and it will keep you satiated for longer in between meals. I tell patients to aim for 25g of protein at each meal, especially breakfast!
If you struggle with getting protein in for breakfast, a smoothie is always a great way to do that. Download our free e-book Simple & Healthy High Protein Smoothie Recipes for easy recipes to help you achieve your goals.
Get Active
Whether it be a 10 minute walk in your neighborhood, running a marathon, enjoying a pilates class, or mountain climbing in Yosemite, it’s better than sitting on the couch, watching a re-run of your favorite 90s show. Not only is it good for your physical wellbeing, but it’s also so important for your mental health!
Sweat Often
In some ways this goes hand in hand with the point above, since exercising can be a great way to work up a sweat. But sauna therapy is a great way to do this as well! Sweating is our body’s primary way of cooling down but it can also aid in detoxification, eliminate toxins from the body, help with weight loss, and promote healthy skin. Always remember to stay hydrated!
Improve Your Sleep
Sleep is essential. Period. It’s the time that our body takes to relax and restore. For tips and tricks on improving sleep hygiene and getting restful sleep, download our All Natural Guide to Healthy Sleep.
Create a Morning Routine
This one may sound cheesy, but trust me, having a set morning routine can help increase energy, boost productivity and improve time management. Whether you choose to wake up early and do a killer workout, or sit on your porch with a hot cup of coffee, anything is better than running out the door with your makeup half-done.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Most of us are not 21 anymore. As we age, alcohol has a greater and greater detrimental effect on our bodies. Heavy drinking can cause liver inflammation and problems such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. It can also weaken our immune system, affect mental health, and slow down digestion. I’m all for the occasional celebratory drink with friends, or the glass of wine as you’re binge watching your favorite TV show, but please, stop with the 5+ drinks just because it’s “Taco Tuesday".”
Avoid Processed Foods
Similar to the point above, I’m never against the occasional bag of chips or fast food meal when you’re on a roadtrip. However, if your diet consists mostly of foods that come from a bag or a box, we should try shifting focus to a more whole foods diet with home-cooked meals.
Cut the Smoking (and Vaping)
I’m sure you all know by now, but smoking is not good for you! Or your lungs, skin, immune system, etc. Smoking (and vaping) can cause premature aging and increase your risk of COPD and lung cancer.
10. Schedule an Annual Exam with Your ND
It doesn’t necessarily have to be a naturopathic doctor, although we tend to offer more comprehensive care, but regardless, it’s important to schedule an annual visit, even when you think nothing is wrong. I strive to provide great preventative healthcare to each of my patients, which means that we focus on running all the labs and imaging, watching annual lab results trend, and improving your lifestyle as you age, to avoid more detrimental health problems to occur in the first place. Trust me, we are worth it!
*Reminder to also make time for your annual OBGYN, optometrist, dentist, and other healthcare appointments, too!