With the new year comes the onslaught of New Year’s resolutions: promises toshed pounds, eat healthier, exercise regularly, and cut back on vices, to name a few. Setting one or two big, measurable goals is a fantastic idea, but setting small, easily attainable goals can be just as impactful, if not more. Small changes to your daily routine can make a significant difference in your overall health without demanding drastic change. Let’s face it, most big resolutionsare abandoned after a few short weeks, but smaller resolutions are much easierto stick to. Make 2019 different with these six small but powerful changes you can implement today:

1. Drink a full glass of water before every meal. 

On a day to day basis, most people are under-hydrated and not getting adequate water intake. In 2019, making a commitment to watch your water intake will have many benefits on your wellbeing. Most doctors recommend about eight glasses of water per day, which can be surprisingly challenging for many people. One easy habit to help? Chug a glass of water when you wake up and before each meal throughout the day (even before snacks). Not only will you be hydrating your body, you will likely feel full faster, naturally curbing the calories you consume.

2. Replace your daily snack with a healthy protein bar or shake. 

Take stock of how many times you typically eat each day – threemeals and a couple snacks? Those daily snacks can really add up and counteractother healthy habits you are implementing. In the new year, try replacing onesnack per day with a healthier option like a protein bar or a healthy homemadesmoothie. If you opt for store-bought options to save time, be sure to checklabels. Some of these products have a surprisingly high sugar content.

3. Check your stress levels a few times a day. 

Checking in with yourself at various intervals throughout the daycan help you identify tension or other stressors. If you sit at a desk or spendhours behind the wheel, your shoulders and upper back can become very tense.Find a few times each day to pause, take a deep breath, and check in on howyour body feels. Release tension with a few gentle stretches and deep breathingexercises.

4. Practice reasonable, well balanced portions. 

Make 2019 the year of smaller plates and better portion sizes.When you begin with a large plate or bowl, chances are you’ll fill it up beyonda reasonable portion size and overeat. Once you’ve chosen a small plate, addveggies first, then lean protein, and then starch. If you start with the goodstuff – vegetables – you’ll be less likely to fill up on high-calorie, lessnutritious items.

5. Out of sight, out of mind. 

There’s nothing wrong with a sweet treat now and then, but be wiseabout where you store your indulgences. Keep treats put away in tall cabinetsor behind healthier options instead of on your kitchen island or front andcenter in the refrigerator. If those less than healthy options are not right infront of you, you’re less likely to indulge at random times throughout the day.

6. Commit to move a little more each day.

This could be as simple as making an effort to stop and stretch in the middle of your work day, or it could be the choice to park farther away from your office than necessary. Commit to finding a small way each day to move more than you did yesterday. YouTube has tons of quick exercise, yoga, or stretching videos if you need some inspiration. Other ideas for adding movementto your day? Find a lunchtime walking buddy, take your dog for a walk afterdinner each night, or avoid elevators in favor of stairs whenever possible.

Your Healthiest Year Yet

You don’t have to have a drastic, reality television worthy transformation to make healthy strides in 2019. A few simple changes and mindful choices can make a world of difference. For more tips on how to live your healthiest life yet, visit our Facebook page. Wishing you a happy, healthy new year!