January is a great time to make positive changes and start fresh. One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to become healthier, whether that means losing weight, eating better, or getting more exercise.
One way to jumpstart your path to a healthier lifestyle is to cut certain things out of your life. Here are 30 things to cut in January for a healthier you.
Foods to Cut
Cut Processed Foods
Processed foods are often high in unhealthy additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Cutting processed foods from your diet can help you become healthier and lose weight. Instead, focus on whole foods that are rich in nutrients and vitamins.
Cut Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks are major sources of empty calories. These drinks can also cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to cravings and fatigue.
Instead, try drinking water, herbal tea, or coffee without sugar or cream.
Cut Fast Food
Fast food is often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Cutting back on fast food can help you become healthier and avoid weight gain.
If you do eat fast food, try to choose options that are lower in calories and healthier, such as salads or grilled items.
Cut Fried Foods
Foods that are fried can be high in unhealthy fats and calories. Cut back on fried foods or try healthier ways to cook foods, such as baking, grilling, or roasting.
Cut Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and rice are often stripped of nutrients and fiber. Instead, choose whole grain options that are rich in nutrients and fiber.
Cut Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners can be found in many low-calorie foods and drinks, but they can be harmful to your health. Cutting back on artificial sweeteners can help you become healthier and avoid potential side effects.
Habits to Cut
Cut Screen Time
Spending too much time on your phone, computer, or television can be harmful to your health. Cut back on screen time to give your eyes and brain a break and to prioritize other activities such as exercise.
Cut Late Nights
Getting enough sleep is crucial for your health, but staying up late can disrupt your sleep patterns. Cut back on late nights to ensure that you are getting enough rest and set a consistent bedtime for yourself.
Cut Stressful Situations
Stress can be harmful to your health, both mentally and physically. Cut back on stressful situations or find ways to manage stress, such as meditation, exercise, or journaling.
Cut Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts can be toxic to your mental health. Cut back on negative thoughts and focus on positive thinking and self-affirmations.
Cut Sedentary Behavior
Sitting for long periods of time can be harmful to your health. Cut back on sedentary behavior by taking breaks to stand, stretch, or walk around, and incorporating exercise into your routine.
Items to Cut
Cut Clutter
A cluttered environment can be stressful and overwhelming. Cut back on clutter by decluttering your home and workspace, and creating a more organized and peaceful environment.
Cut Non-Essential Expenses
Spending money on non-essential items can be a drain on your finances. Cut back on non-essential expenses and prioritize saving for important goals or paying down debt.
Cut Toxic Relationships
Toxic relationships can be harmful to your mental health. Cut back on toxic relationships or find ways to set boundaries and prioritize healthy relationships.
Cut Unnecessary Commitments
Overcommitting yourself can lead to stress and burnout. Cut back on unnecessary commitments and prioritize your time and energy on what is most important to you.
Cut Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics are harmful to the environment and can contribute to pollution and waste. Cut back on single-use plastics by using reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, water bottles, and food containers.
Activities to Cut
Cut Sitting for Long Periods
Sitting for long periods of time can be harmful to your health. Cut back on sitting by incorporating more movement into your day, such as taking regular breaks to stand, stretch, or walk around.
Cut Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk can be harmful to your mental health and self-esteem. Cut back on negative self-talk and focus on positive self-affirmations and thinking.
Cut Multitasking
Trying to do too many things at once can be overwhelming and stressful. Cut back on multitasking and focus on one task at a time, allowing yourself to fully concentrate and be present in the moment.
Cut Procrastination
Procrastination can lead to stress and missed opportunities. Cut back on procrastination by setting deadlines for yourself and developing a plan to accomplish your tasks in a timely manner.
Cut Negative News Consumption
Consuming negative news can be harmful to your mental health and well-being. Cut back on negative news consumption and focus on positive and uplifting news and stories.
Final Thoughts
Cutting certain things out of your life can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By following some of these tips, you can become a healthier and happier version of yourself.
Remember to focus on progress, not perfection, and to celebrate your successes along the way.