5 easy-to-accomplish New Year’s resolutions with a big health impact

(BPT) - The start of a new year is the perfect time for making goals to improve your health and well-being. But too often, people make grand resolutions that are too lofty to accomplish. In fact, about half of men and women say they have made New Year’s resolutions they could not keep, according to an ORC International poll from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.

This year, take a new approach by adopting little lifestyle changes that will, over time, have a big impact on your health and happiness. After all, four out of five people believe that making small lifestyle changes is a more effective way to improve health than making major changes that might require more self-discipline, the poll found.

Here are five simple resolutions to inspire you this New Year:

1. Stock the fridge with healthy snack foods

Instead of visiting the vending machine at work or reaching for that sugary snack in the cupboard at home, resolve to stock the fridge with fresh fruits and veggies to curb hunger pangs. For example, fresh blueberries are a healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth. Available all year round with just 80 calories per cup and virtually no fat, blueberries offer many nutritional benefits. Plus, as indicated by poll respondents, eating more foods with health benefits like blueberries is one of the easiest resolutions to keep, with nearly three-quarters saying it would be really easy or pretty easy. Learn more at www.littlebluedynamos.com.

2. Find new, simple ways to move and groove

You don’t have to join a gym in order to be more active in the new year. Make simple changes that add up, like always taking the stairs, parking in the back of the lot and walking when you need to talk to a coworker rather than emailing or picking up the phone. A fun idea for the whole family is to exercise during TV commercials. During the breaks, you can have everyone do jumping jacks, planks or stretch until the show resumes.

3. Discover and try new recipes together

It’s easy to get into an eating rut in which you dine on the same dishes over and over again. Variety is the spice of life, they say, so once each week or month, invite your family into the kitchen to make new, nutritious recipes together. For dinner, why not try Blueberry Turkey Burgers? Then for dessert, dine on delicious Three Ingredient Blueberry Ice Cream. Yum!

4. Feel more full with fiber

Dietary fiber often found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can have a plethora of health benefits, including improved digestion and potential to reduce the risk of heart disease. Resolve to eat more fiber in the new year and you’ll also help maintain a healthy weight. Fiber may help you feel full for longer, so pack meals and snacks that contain fiber like oatmeal, almonds, blueberries and raw carrots.

5. Embrace positivity and gratitude

Having a negative attitude is a complete drain of energy and can affect every aspect of life, including your relationships with your coworkers, family and friends. This new year, embrace being positive every day. A simple smile can relieve stress and boost confidence. Spend a minute each day to focus on all the things you’re grateful for rather than what you wish you had. Learn to look at things with optimism, and happiness will be sure to follow.