The ball drops and streamers fly…New Year has finally arrived! Ads beckon from billboards and social media painting a picture of all the goals to crush. Where to begin? With a fast-paced lifestyle juggling home, work, and a social life, lofty resolutions can be hard to stick to come January 2^nd. What is the key? Keep it simple. Here are 6 simple health swaps to up-level any health routine heading into a brand-new year.

1. Swap out coffee first thing for lemon water: A quick, immune boosting drink, lemon water is not only rich in flavor but also vitamin C which is critical for boosting immunity in the winter months. While you don’t need to ditch that daily cup of Joe, beginning with lemon water is a way to hydrate first thing. 

2. Switch out a morning bagel for a plant-based smoothie: While bagels can be a yummy treat, they have a higher glycemic index and are often made with low-fiber refined grains which can lead to afternoon energy crashes. Smoothies are a quick way to get in healthy greens, fruit, and protein.  Try adding in a scoop of plant-based Green Vibrance, a high-quality greens powder packed with 25 billion probiotics and 14 powerful antioxidants per serving to take breakfast to that next level.

3. Trade out a granola bar for a whole food snack: Everybody can appreciate the convenience of grab and go snacks. However, simple trade-offs to more whole, nutritious foods can make all the difference. Store-bought granola bars are often laden with processed ingredients. Reaching for an apple and nuts versus a granola bar a few times a week is a simple swap to increase overall fiber intake and boost gut health.

4. Buy an old-fashioned alarm clock instead of using a phone:  Consistently scrolling through a smart phone around the clock is the new norm. This can make it hard to put the phone away for the night. Buying a traditional alarm clock instead of using an iPhone helps create a nice work-life boundary and a set cut-off time for being on screens.

5. Trade a nightly Instagram scroll session for a good book:  While catching on all the latest Instagram reels can be fun, studies show that the blue light from phone screens can suppress melatonin. This hormone is responsible for controlling the body’s sleep and wake cycle. Opting to crack open a book before bed has been shown to help calm the mind & body down and signal to the brain it is time for sleep.

6. Exchange a cardio session for weight training: Weight lifting doesn’t just have to be for the pros. Studies show that adding in weight lifting even 2-3 times per week can lead to better posture and more restful sleep. Joint Vibrance is a comprehensive powder formula designed to ease the pressure on the body from the wear and tear of exercise. Grab a scoop of this in a smoothie and it will aid in restoring worn out joints and managing inflammation. While cardio is great for the heart, weight lifting fires up the metabolism to burn calories long after the workout is over.  

Don’t fall for the “all or nothing” approach for goals heading into this year.  Choosing to make micro changes in a daily routine is the first step. Having better work-life boundaries and creating a healthy, sustainable relationship with food and exercise is what builds solid habits that last a lifetime. Nutritious foods, soul-filling activities, and quality powders and supplements are key. So as the confetti of New Year settles and January 2^nd rolls around consider making these simple swaps to avoid overwhelm and keep to those resolutions for a brand-new year.

+These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.