Gardening Can Help You Keep Your New Years Resolution

Small space, big impact. dynamichomeandgarden.com

As we begin the New Year, many people are setting health goals and making weight loss resolutions. One of the easiest ways that we can improve our health is by putting the right foods into our bodies. This doesn't require doing much compared to eating junk foods--still open mouth, insert food, chew and swallow--but it does require changing the way that we think about food.

One way to improve your physical and mental health is by fueling your body with nutritious foods. Make access to healthy foods easier and more enjoyable by starting your own organic garden! Even if it's just a few potted plants on your balcony, you'll trick yourself into making smarter food choices. Here is what I've observed:

• Having your own fruits and vegetables is empowering. It's a constant reminder that you aren't powerless over your health. Your decision matter.
• Taking care of vegetable and fruit plants reminds you about your health at least once a day. It's not a brutal, self-abusing reminder like looking at a scale. Rather, gardens of any size can be beautiful inspirations. These little reminders prompt you to make healthier decisions, even if they're small.
• Once you try your own organic produce, you'll begin to notice a difference in taste compared to conventionally grown foods. You can tell why organic produce may cost more; it's worth the investment. This will make shopping easier if you ever run into sticker shock.
• Working with food-bearing plants reminds us where food should come from and our relationship with it. That knowledge encourages you to be more mindful of food sources and ingredients without a lot of work. Bell pepper and hummus dip is made of, well, bell pepper, chickpeas and spices. What are Oreos made of? Exactly. If you can't answer that or pronounce things in the ingredients list, don't eat it!

  

  This dude grows lots of veggies in little space! urbanorganicgardener.com

All of these mini-revelations popped into my mind during my first season of gardening. It really helped me to make healthier food choices and be more mindful of what I'm putting into my body. It's not perfect. I still have Oreos and Krispey Kreme donuts occasionally but that sort of stuff isn't as damaging when the vast majority of your diet is healthy! 

Remember: food is fuel. Food should benefit our bodies. Foods that hurt you instead of help you, that weigh you down instead of energize you, that end your life sooner instead of increasing your vitality are foods that aren't doing you any favors. Kick them out and form a relationship with foods that will love you back!