Christmas is over, and it’s time to start thinking about the New Year and new goals you want to set. But you don’t need to wait until January 1st to start these goals. You are in the weird week between Christmas and New Year when you don’t really know what day it is or what time it is or if you have eaten three breakfasts or just candy. Let’s get you drinking water, moving your body and getting protein this week and then you’ll already have three great habits in place for a week before the new year starts!

Water

Water is the best place to start on your fitness journey and it can actually help you . Don’t like the taste of water or get burnt out easily by drinking the same thing over and over? Add some Mixhers into the drink and it’ll break up your plain water. They have so many different products to give your water a nice flavor, and a lot of different benefit options depending on what you are looking for. As usual, code MODERNDAD will save you money. 

Is it really hard for you to make sure you get enough water during the day? You can set an alarm to remind you throughout your day. Also invest in things that will make you drink throughout the day. Mixhers, an ice machine, a Hydrojug(code moderndad), anything that can help you get the water in. Personally, I love a Hyrdojug to help measure how much I’ve drank. I try to drink 120-160 oz a day (3-4 40 oz).

Walking

Did you know that incline walking is better for you than running? It makes your body work harder so you burn more calories quicker, it can strengthen your core and it can help improve your cardiovascular fitness. It is also low impact which helps your joints be healthier. All this said, it is also great to walk outside as well and you can find some hills to walk to get some incline walking done outside. Even when it’s cold, like it is here in Utah, the fresh air will do you  wonders. 

If you need a plan, there are so many online, but all I do is incline 10, speed 3.0, and I go for 30 minutes. Every year I think about signing up for another marathon, or race in general, but to know that just a basic walk can be added to anyone daily routine.

Protein

People always forget the protein part of working out. But if you don’t use protein you will not be able to gain muscle as well. Protein also helps your body carry oxygen through your body in your blood and make antibodies that fight off illnesses, which everyone needs this winter. 

My favorite way to get protein in is through drinks and if you’ve followed me for any length of time you know my love for Clean Simple Eats! I really love the clear protein powder Pink Burst drink, the variety of clear canned proteins they offer in lots of great flavors, and the Simply Vanilla and Brownie Batter protein powders. They have really been stepping it up with options and variety, so there is a flavor for everyone. If you want to get some, use code MODERNDAD to save on their protein and any other products. 

We always have Fairlife Core Power stocked in our fridge. It was a challenge to grab them anytime Costco had them, but then I found these on Amazon and I put them on subscription.  They have 42 g of protein which I love and they taste great. Vanilla is a nice one to have to add to different things, but the chocolate is by far my favorite. These are really a great grab and go option and easily increase your protein consumption. 

And then on the lower end of protein, I drink Perk Energy every single day which has protein and collagen in it. It’s like a treat, but also gives that little boost we all need in the morning. Perk has been a staple in our lives for years and I love that they keep adding new flavors to their line up, but my top three flavors are: Mint Chocolate Truffle, Chai Latte, Vanilla Caramel Steamer. Emily is a classic chocolate lover: Dutch Hot Chocolate, Mexican Hot Chocolate, and Horchata. Whatever flavors you choose, use code MODERNDAD for a discount anytime.

I hope this helps you as you start your goals for this next year.