This time of year, we’re all thinking about how we can make the next healthier than the last. Whether your goal is to lose weight, exercise more, or eat better, there’s plenty of resources right here in St. Louis to help you meet your goals. Here are five resolutions for a healthier new year in St. Louis:
1. Get outside on St. Louis’ hiking and biking trails.
Whether you like to run, walk, or bike, St. Louis has plenty of scenic trails to make exercising a little more enjoyable. Pass by the Clydesdales on Grant’s Trail, be surrounded by awe-inspiring art at Laumeier Sculpture Park, or take in the beauty of nature in Katy Trail State Park. Click HERE for a list of some of our favorite local trails.
2. Run a local 5K.
If you’re not a big runner, training for a 5K is a reasonable goal for next year. Not only is it a fitness opportunity, but many runs also benefit local and national causes. Click HERE for a calendar of 5K races in the St. Louis area for 2014.
3. Take a nutrition class.
Take the first step towards a healthy, balanced diet by learning what to eat and how much you should be eating at a local nutrition seminar, several of which are free. Des Peres Hospital hosts a free healthy eating boot camp once per month at Schnucks Des Peres, and Preventative Medicine is hosting a free seminar on nutrition and human health on March 8.
4. Learn how to cook healthier meals.
Preparing our own meals with healthy, fresh ingredients is one of the best ways to ensure a healthier diet. Dierbergs Markets and Missouri Baptist Medical Center offers Eat Hearty cooking classes taught by registered dieticians to help teach you how to prepare heart-healthy meals for you and your family. Click HERE for more info and a schedule of upcoming classes.
5. Reduce stress.
Whether it’s at work or at home, stress is an inevitable part of life, but too much stress can contribute to poor health. One of the best ways to reduce stress is through calming exercises like yoga and meditation. St. Louis Insight Meditation Group holds weekly teacher-led groups at several area locations, and the St. Louis Wellness Center also hosts free meditation groups every Wednesday and Sunday. Click HERE to learn more about meditation resources in St. Louis.
For more tips on living a healthier, happier life in 2014, check out the “Living Well in STL” feature in St. Louis Magazine's January 2014 issue.
