Who wouldn’t want to finish the year feeling brighter and healthier? Now is the perfect time to start working towards that goal! With just nine simple adjustments, you can transform yourself in the next four months, just in time for 2025. According to fitness coach Raj Ganpath, these changes will help you “finish 2024 looking and feeling awesome.”

1. Hydrate: Drink 40-50 ml of water per kilogram of your body weight every day.
2. Stay Active: Walk 12,000 to 15,000 steps daily.
3. Strength Train: Engage in strength training three days a week.
4. Build Endurance: Focus on endurance or stamina exercises 1-2 days a week.
5. Protein Intake: Consume 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of your body weight daily.
6. Eat Veggies and Fruits: Include 2-4 cups of vegetables and fruits in your diet each day.
7. Limit Junk Food: Keep your intake of junk, sweet, and fried foods under 100 calories per day.
8. Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
9. Avoid Overeating: Practice mindful eating to avoid overeating.

But can these tweaks really help you achieve your dream body?

Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant in internal medicine at Gleneagles Hospitals Parel, Mumbai, agrees that these changes can be effective. She emphasizes that limited mobility can slow metabolism, leading to weight gain, even with a clean diet. Dr. Agarwal recommends aiming for at least 45 minutes of physical activity daily, such as swimming, walking, running, cycling, yoga, or weightlifting.

For the next four months, try to avoid unhealthy, processed, and packaged foods, as they often contain added sugars, sodium, additives, and preservatives that can negatively impact your health. Instead, focus on balanced meals rich in green vegetables, fruits, lentils, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar, associate director of internal medicine at Paras Health, Gurugram, also suggests establishing a consistent sleep schedule and limiting screen time before bed to improve sleep quality. He recommends practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to maintain mental well-being.

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider carrying a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during and after exercise.

By incorporating these habits, you can work towards becoming a healthier, leaner, and stronger version of yourself by the end of the year. However, if you’re struggling to reach your goals despite your efforts, it might be a good idea to consult a doctor for expert guidance.