By: Megan Bruneau
Credit: Flickr/Mike
Remember how last year you made that resolution to give up carbs? Volunteer at the local shelter? Put away $500 from every paycheck? Stop judging people? Right. How are those working for you?
For 2016, rather than placing unrealistic expectations on yourself -- and saying "screw it" on January 15th, subsequently dropping close to $1k on a new TV that you use to pass judgment on the stars of Vanderpump Rules while you inhale stuffed-crust pizza -- try making these achievable changes that might actually last until February. And if attempting them all feels too overwhelming, go for one to start.
Credit: Flickr/Karola Riegler
Switch your drink of choice to [your favorite liquor] and seltzer
In spite of what you said at 11:31am on January 1st as you stared down another horrific hangover, consider this realistic option: seltzer > soda. Yes, even diet soda -- that stuff's looking more and more like regular soda's evil stepsister. You're a grown-up now. You don't need several tablespoons of sugar (or aspartame) to make whiskey taste good. If you really want to go the extra mile and reduce the severity of your hangovers, opt for clear liquors, which tend to be lower in misery-inducing congeners.
Credit: Flickr/Christine H.
Make it half-caf
Sure, you could switch to green tea. You could also give up sex and gluten and screens an hour before bed. These are supposed to be EASY. Coffee is both functional and experiential, so keeping some of the caffeine without doing the whole abstinence thing should help reduce jitters and improve the quality of your sleep. If you're totally opposed to half-caffing in the morning, at least give it a whirl for that afternoon fix. And don't use your Keurig as an excuse. You can get half-caf pods.
Take a daily probiotic
In case you've ignored every article relating to health for the past three years (possible!), let me introduce you to probiotics: the friendly bacteria in your gut that are responsible for optimal digestion, healthy weight, and positive mental health (among others). Studies just keep emerging touting the benefits of these babies, so add a broad-spectrum probiotic to your daily routine and thank me later. It's just like taking another vitamin.
Credit: Flickr/Stacy
Incorporate veggies into your breakfast
The most successful dietary changes come from adding, not taking away. So instead of saying no sugar/flour/dairy/fast food/etc., stave off the hanger with the good stuff. Veggies for breakfast, though? Yeah, it's really not that bad. Go for a savory oatmeal with sautéed spinach and mushrooms. Frittata with kale and eggplant. A green smoothie. Avocado toast with onion and tomato. Breakfast SALAD.
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