I know you want to feel sexy and beautiful in the new year. The only way you can do that, is if you are healthy! The other day I suggested fitness resolutions for the new year that could benefit your health greatly. Today, one day away from New Year’s Eve, I am giving you a list of diet related commitments you can make to yourself in order to be Fit After Thirty in 2009! Don’t get overwhelmed by thinking of it as making ten resolutions. Think of it as making one big resolution to eat healthier, using these ten tips as your guide for how to do it! Here’s to a sexy, healthy, new you, in the new year!

1. Drink 64 ounces of purified water daily. Not only does it hydrate you, but rids toxins from the body, which helps you age gracefully.

2. Eat less red meat - consumption of  which has been shown to increase your risk of cancer.

3. Combine protein with carbs at every meal. A fist sized amount of lean protein with your carbs will prevent glucose levels from spiking, which has been shown to increase your risk of developing diabetes, gaining weight, and increasing inflammation in the body. Inflammation can lead to heart disease and premature aging.

4. Eliminate products with white flour and white sugar as often as possible. They lack nutritional content while wreaking havoc on your blood sugar. Again, blood sugar spikes are your ticket to disease over time. If you’re going to eat them, combine with protein at the same time.

5. Eliminate foods that contain hydrogenated oils. These oils are linked to diabetes, coronary disease, and obesity.

6. Eliminate high fructose corn syrup - it is heavily processed so the body processes it differently than sugar. The chemical reaction that takes place makes it so HCFS inhibits leptin secretion, so you never get the message that you’re full. And it never shuts off production of ghrelin, (an appetite stimulant hormone in the gut) so, even though you have food in your stomach, you constantly get the message that you’re hungry. 

7. Eat more spices, and here’s why: Cinnamon can decrease blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels, especially in those that have type 2 diabetes. Ginger can decrease your blood pressure, alleviate arthritis pain by reducing inflammation, and reduce your risk of cancer. Tumeric, which is found in Curry, has been shown to relieve arthritis pain, and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Paprika and Cayenne Pepper have been shown to help reduce high blood pressure and improve circulation. Rosemary is very important for learning because it helps you focus.

8. Eat a minimum of 6 servings of fruits and veggies daily.  Try to incorporate a lot of greens like spinach and broccoli, as well as blueberries which are great antioxidants. Blueberries have been shown to help the brain! 

9. Eat more nuts! Nuts are the perfect on the go snack. They have protein and healthy fats. Almonds, especially, are great for the heart!

10. Eat more fiber. This is an easy one if you are doing all the others on the list, because by ridding your diet of white flour and foods that contain HFCS and hydrogenated oils, you will be substituting whole grains. By eating your fruits and veggies, you will be getting more fiber also! Increasing fiber will help you lose weight, and cut your risk of colon cancer.

Bonus Resolution

11. Drink a glass of red wine daily! It contains resveratrol which helps prevent aging of cells.

Cheers!