Here at Grazia, we’re less about January detoxes (no plates of lettuce in this office!) and more about balanced year-round lifestyles. We know a G&T in January isn’t going to kill you, but a bike ride the next day won’t either. We’ll happily Instagram a green juice after the gym, but you just have to scroll down on our feeds to see that we like Shake Shack and Byron too. Happy balances make for happy living – that’s year round, not just in January!
Ahead, our guide to the products and ideas that will go a long way in helping you achieve the happy, healthy balance you’re looking for, without having you living on grass and cursing come February…
Do the 5-pint water challenge
5 pints of water a way doesn’t sound like that much but to those of us who don’t drink a lot of water, it’s a mammoth amount to consume! Print off a little chart, stick it to the bottom of your computer screen, and enjoy ticking off each pint as you finish it. Say goodbye to your 4pm slump – this really will make you feel more alert.
Buy a bike
In case you missed the memo, cycling got trendy. It’s not just about middle-aged men in lycra anymore, it’s about pretty bikes, chic cycle wear and practical commuting solutions. We’re the first to say we judge a bike by its look (the brighter the better please!) but we also know that it’s well worth doing your research before buying the first pretty one you see. We’re obsessed withMango Bikes– beautifully colourful and fully customisable.
Pick healthier snacks
Many of us are happy with our bodies and our lifestyles and shouldn’t feel obliged to diet under peer pressure just because it’s January. That said, we’ve all got our vices and our guilty pleasures that wouldn’t hurt to cut back on. Crisp fans should try Scrubby's: delicious vegetable crisps “with character” and 30% less fat than ordinary crisps.
Walk to work — in a good pair of trainers
Walking your commute is not just a money saver but a great healthy lifestyle change too. You’ll feel more alert at the office, you won’t need your morning latte, and you won’t have to start your day by squeezing into someone’s smelly armpit. Invest in a good, lightweight pair of trainers so you’re comfortable and don’t forget your headphones (a Spotify Premium account won’t go a miss either). We fly to the office in our Nike Free 4.0 Flyknits.
Don’t resent salads, just eat good ones
Salads don’t have to be sad, miserable things that you eat with a frown, whilst pining after your colleague’s delicious looking sandwich. Honest. Lettuce and tomato is never going to thrill, but a bowl of seared tuna, mixed peppers, smoked almonds, mixed leaves and rice doesn’t sound too bad does it? Get yourself down to Chop’d and discover that salads ain’t so bad at all.
Try Baobab
Baobab is said to be the superfood of 2015, boasting three times more vitamin C than in oranges and mega high levels of antioxidants. Plus, it tastes delicious, like a cross between pineapple and melon. We’re getting our fill with Aduna’s delicious 100% raw baobab bars – great for workout fuel and 4pm slumps.
Make an eating out limit and stick to it
When you live in a city, eating out is all too easy. Even when you plan to stay in, a friend suggests a last minute catch up and somehow you’re eating out for the 3rd night in a row. Put a cap on how many dinners you eat out per week and stick to it – see your finances and figure improve as a result.
Cook more
There aren't many of us that hate cooking, it's just we don't all always get round to doing it. But eating in not only saves money but is also healthier and more gratifying than eating out — making a delicious risotto from scratch is sure to put a smile on your face —so we should all be doing it more. Be inspired by Jamie Oliver's 15 Minute Meals on YouTube, read our easy-to-follow recipes online, or, for homemade cooking without the fuss use Marley Spoon. Log onto the site, pick out what meals you fancy, and have all the ingredients delivered straight to your door - with not even a garlic clove forgotten. Follow the simple recipe cards and we promise, you'll impress yourself.
Sign up for a race
We’re not saying do a 10km tomorrow, we’re saying set yourself goals. Realistic goals. If you’re not a runner, signing yourself up for the next half marathon is stupid- aim for a 5km Park Run. If you’re comfortable with 5km, sign up for a 10km – theFitness First Winter Run is a good one.
Enjoy low-carb dinners
If you’re trying to shed pounds or generally keep a trim figure, deciding what to have for dinner can be a nightmare. So many delicious options and all you feel you’re allowed is soup or salad – neither of which are going to thrill you past January. Instead, invest in a spiralizer so you can continue to enjoy all of your favourite meals, only without the carbs. Turn courgettes into ‘courgetti’ and enjoy a no-carb version of spaghetti bolognaise. Health food goddesses, the Hemsley sisters have just launched a great one – invest now.
