Hello friends,
At AAYM Nutrition, our goal is simple: help you eat food that makes you feel good. We love science, but we also know that real-life eating doesn’t always fit into a perfect pattern. Let’s talk about how to refresh your eating habits while still enjoying your meals.
Every January, people get excited about health and wellness. They set resolutions for weight loss, new diets, and fitness goals. While it’s great to see this enthusiasm, many start with unrealistic plans like eliminating lots of foods or hitting the gym every day. These big changes often fizzle out quickly.
So, instead of cutting out sugar, carbs, or bread, what if you made small, positive changes? Swaps that don’t feel huge but are much more sustainable.
Did you know only about 9% of people stick to their resolutions each year? Why not try a healthy refresh instead? It might not sound as exciting, but getting back to basics is important.
Feeling confused about where to start? You’re not alone. There’s so much nutrition advice out there, and it’s rarely based on evidence. On social media, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I encourage you to start with what science says and begin with small steps.
New research shows how important hydration is for healthy aging, so drink more water (maybe a new water bottle will help). We also know sleep is crucial for overall health and affects your appetite and cravings (try these science-based tips for better sleep).
Almost 90% of us don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, but we have some simple and creative ways to help you get your fill. If you’re already doing well with these basics, think about other small changes. Maybe try a new food each week, eat more protein-rich foods, cook more at home, or meal prep on Sundays.
Notice how these changes are positive additions, not restrictions. Adding good stuff can naturally crowd out other behaviors without feeling deprived.
At AAYM, we believe nutrition should be for everybody. Often, healthy eating is shown as expensive, like an $80 smoothie full of powders and potions. But you can make a delicious and nutritious smoothie with frozen fruits and veggies for a fraction of the cost.
Healthy food should also taste good. Only 29% of AAYM readers think healthy food tastes good, which is a myth we hope to change. Not every meal needs to be amazing, but have you ever tried roasted Brussels sprouts? They taste so much better than the boiled ones you might remember from childhood.
If cooking feels overwhelming, we’ve got 10 simple dinner recipes to help you make tasty and easy meals. Or try a healthy meal delivery service to make dinner even easier.
Healthy eating should include foods you love, foods you grew up with, and foods that are part of your culture.
Beyond Your Plate
Good nutrition is just one piece of the health puzzle. Other factors like getting enough sleep, moving your body, and taking care of your mental well-being are also important.
Too often, people feel ashamed for eating a brownie or french fries, thinking they’ve made a “bad” choice. Let go of the guilt and treat yourself with kindness this year. When I reach for more processed foods than usual, it usually means I’ve been busy making good memories. Instead of feeling down, I trust that my next meals will be more nutrient-dense.
At AAYM, we’ll teach you about optimal nutrition and help you apply that knowledge in a way that works for you. Sometimes that means eating high-protein salads, and other times it means enjoying cookies guilt-free.
I hope you give up the goal of dietary perfection and embrace eating foods that make you feel good. When you visit AAYM Nutrition, I want it to feel like sharing a cozy, balanced meal with a friend who knows a lot about nutrition.
Here’s to ditching resolutions in favor of refreshing your eating habits in 2023. Cheers!
Feel free to visit AAYM for more tips and inspiration on healthy eating and wellness!