24 things to try in 2024

Another year has begun, and with it 365 opportunities to make it your best year yet. Whether you are looking for novelty or a little help to kickstart healthy habits, here are 24 things to try in 2024.

24 things to try in 2024

1. Eat differently

If you normally eat with cutlery, try to eat with your hands. If you normally eat with your hands, try cutlery.

2. Eat 30 plant foods every week, at least for a month, ideally most days of the year

30 (per week) is the proposed magic number to optimise gut bacteria diversity. Herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, coffee and tea count.

3. Try a food/drink you know hate

Taste changes with time! Try something you know (or think) you hate, just to check if your taste has changed.

4. Try a food/drink you think you hate

If you are one of those people who say they don’t like something even though they’ve never tried it, this one is for you.

5. Visit a farmer’s market

Support local growers, buy seasonal produce.

6. Cook something challenging

Do it when you have extra time, such as in the weekend. Don’t cook it when you have guests to avoid the extra pressure.

7. Host a dinner party

Invite friends or family for a meal. Eating together is a great way of strengthening connections.

8. Say no to free food

It’s very tempting to eat often energy-dense, nutrient-poor food just because it’s free.

9. Try food from a cuisine you have never tried

Discover new flavours you might want to add into your repertoire.

10. Buy a coffee or meal for a total stranger

Be nice and make the other person’s day.

11. Make or bake something you have never made/baked

Try a new recipe that you can get into your routine.

12. Do a fitness class you haven’t done before

This could be martial arts, self defence (e.g. Krav Maga), yoga, pilates, dancing, etc.

13. Walk after lunch every day for a month

You will be surprised at what a big difference this makes to your mood, energy levels and potential body stiffness. A walk after meals can also help manage blood sugar levels.

14. Test your limits

This could mean eat a spicy dish if you don’t tolerate spicy foods, add a few hundred meters to your longest run or walk, go for a PB on a lift you don’t love.

15. Meditate every day for a month

“Meditation is mind’s gift to itself” (Lama Ole Nydahl)

16. Take a cold shower every day for a month (winter months only!)

Cold showers help wake you up because they increase blood flow. They can also have a (tiny) effect on metabolism and brown fat activation.

17. Give up booze for a month

Alcohol is a social lubricant but also a source of empty calories, bad sleep and negative health effects. Dry July and Ocsober are good times for cutting out alcohol this as there will be many other people doing it.

18. Give up smoking/vaping

Giving up smoking for a month might not be enough to quit completely. Make 2024 the year you quit smoking/vaping for good.

19. Keep a food diary for a month

Logging your food intake can be very eye-opening. Even though it’s not 100% accurate, it’s the best way of keeping you honest and accountable, helping you meet your target energy and nutrient intake.

20. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day

Going to bed and waking up consistently at the same time can benefit your body’s circadian rhythm, improving sleep and overall health.

21. Stop drinking coffee around lunchtime

Coffee can have many beneficial effects on health, however it can also disrupt sleep. While the rate of caffeine metabolism depends on many individual factors, most people should aim at drinking their last coffee (and other caffeine-containing beverages) before or around lunchtime.

22. Do something that scares you

Examples include public speaking, bungee jumping, swimming in the ocean, and competing in sport. Keep it safe.

23. Join a fitness challenge for charity

Join one of the several challenges (squats, push-ups, running) that donate proceeds to charity. It’s a win-win.

24. Fast for a day (or more)

Fasting can have health benefits but the evidence is not conclusive yet. What is a fact is that most people won’t die if they don’t eat for a few days. Fasting for a day (or 3-7 if you have experience with fasting) will probably not lengthen your life nor improve your health significantly but will show you there’s no reason to panic if you miss a meal or two. Of course, talk to your health professional if you have health issues.

[Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash]

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This website is for educational and informational purposes only. Click here if you need personalised nutrition advice.