Most people's first thought as the new year approaches is to sign up for a gym membership in an effort to better themselves. Same thing happens every year. They've resolved to finally get in shape this year, and they have every intention of following through. They commit to their new endeavour by purchasing an annual membership and diving headfirst into it.



Not many people survive the first week. Why? When people see how much effort is required to get back into shape, many of them give up and never try again. It's not as hard as they make it seem. They are exhausting themselves trying to improve just one area of their health.

Successful weight loss requires more than just making some changes to one's diet and exercise routine; it also requires a shift in one's mentality toward adopting a more healthful way of life. Physical fitness is only one component of a healthy lifestyle. In reality, physical activity accounts for only 8% of the total. Instead of spending 2009 in the gym, focus on these other 8 areas of your health if you want to finally feel your best this year.

First and foremost, eat well and stay healthy.

Why you gained weight is not a mystery to you. Bad dinners, late-night junk food nibbling, and visits through the McDonald's drive-through all contribute to weight gain. While a diet of boring salads and yoghurt isn't necessary, cutting back on the trigger foods that led to your weight gain is. Substitute as many fresh fruits and vegetables and lean cuts of meat into your present American diet as you can.


Second Health Tip: Take Your Vitamins

The lack of care given to the nutrition of livestock and the depletion of mineral content in our soils mean that dietary supplements are essential for maintaining good health in the modern world. A soy-based protein shake first thing in the morning plus some carefully chosen vitamins helped me lose 70 pounds in just 4 months, and I've kept it off for almost 15 years now. If this is so effective, why is it? Due of the lack of nutritional value in fatty bacon and runny eggs.

Having fun and engaging

Why are you smiling? Seeing a movie? Are you going ice skating? Are you a guitarist? You should make time for whatever it is several times a week (ideally every day) to keep your mental health in good shape. You shouldn't combine drinking and fast food as a hobby. The point of going to the movies is not to stuff your face with buttered, greasy popcorn. Enjoy life as it is without worrying about the bad things that could happen.

Hydration is the fourth healthy tip

The missing link is not getting enough water during the day. Drinking isn't given the same importance as eating, yet it is. Regular consumption of sodas and processed juices is not recommended. Why? They are unhealthy because in addition to sugar they are low in vitamins and minerals. There is nothing worse than alcohol. Maintain hydration at all times by carrying a water bottle with you. Consume alcoholic beverages liberally. Honestly, I can't emphasise this enough.

Stress, Health Tip No Five

As for stress, well, this is what happens when you never give yourself a break. That's as crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as what you put in your body. Major health issues can be brought on by prolonged exposure to stress. You only have one shot at life, so don't waste it worrying about things you have no control over and missing out on the things that make life worth living.

Warning! Unhealthy Habits!

It's equally as crucial to avoid eating the incorrect foods as it is to consume the right ones. However, poor lifestyle choices aren't limited to eating poorly. Among the worst things a person can do to their body is to smoke cigarettes and take other substances, legal or illegal. You can't use anything else than this! Please tend to it. It's fine to drink alcohol occasionally, but regular consumption isn't suggested for anyone serious about health.

Seven Health Tip: Controlling Your Weight

Have you ever considered that losing weight isn't the underlying problem that people face? Everyone has a weight loss in their life. Maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge that most people cannot meet. The rational approach is to think about it. Do not go back to eating twinkies if you gained weight by eating them and then lost it after you stopped. The occasional (but not daily) twinkie eater does not have to worry about their weight.

Eighth Health Tip: Get Moving

You were probably expecting this! Without working exercise, weight loss is still entirely doable. I am walking proof of this because I was unable to participate due to severe asthma. Thanks to my efforts in the other 7 areas, my body is finally in a healthy state where exercise is beneficial. As soon as I started working out, I saw results and have been able to keep the weight off with its help. Quality, not quantity, of exercise is what matters most. You may get the most bang for your buck by taking baby steps every day.

Now you know the deal. Here are eight ways to improve your health in the new year. If you make it your one and only New Year's resolution to work on all of these areas, you will be well on your way to achieving your goal of improved health. If you are committed to making consistent, manageable adjustments to your routine, you can put an end to your struggle with weight and poor health.