New Year. New You!

You ate that third piece of pie, had second helpings at dinner, ravaged the box of chocolates from the boss, foraged for whatever you could find the entire holiday, even went so far as to eat some fruit cake! Now, you’re thinking diet. But think twice before you do, after all, man and woman cannot live by grapefruit alone.

And actually, weight is only one part of health. Even if you carry some extra weight, by adopting healthy eating habits and getting plenty of physical activity, you’ll feel better and have more energy. In fact, you may be healthier than a thin person who eats poorly and isn't physically active.
 

Simple ways to start your healthier new year

• Choose a variety of foods from each major food group. You’ll be sure to get all of the calories, protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber you need. Choosing a wide range of foods also helps make your meals and snacks more interesting.
   
• Change it up. A serving of grains doesn't only mean a slice of wheat bread. It can be wild rice, whole-wheat pasta, cornmeal muffins, or even popcorn.
   
• Combine foods from each major group however you like. For example, you might make a meal of tortillas (grain group) and beans (meat and beans group). Or you could top your fish with fruit salsa or serve steamed vegetables over pasta.
   
• Select your meals and snacks wisely. Make the most of what you eat by choosing nutrient-rich foods within each group. Low-calorie, high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables fill you up but don't add that much to your daily calorie total.
   
• Start with a green salad. Starting lunch or dinner with a green salad topped with low-calorie or fat-free dressing can help you feel fuller, so you will eat fewer calories during that meal.
   
• Don't forget protein. Eating enough protein-rich, lower-calorie foods slightly increases metabolism.
   
• Switch to water. Water is the number one weight-loss choice when it's chosen as an alternative to beverages containing lots of calories. Often times when we think we are hungry, it’s really our bodies telling us we are thirsty. Go for the water first.
   
• Don’t sacrifice. You don’t have to give up the foods you love. Just eat smaller portions. A couple of Hershey’s kisses instead of the entire bag. A dish of ice cream instead of a half gallon. When we deprive ourselves we tend to over eat once we do get started on our favorite food.

 Try these simple tricks

• Never skip breakfast!
• Stop frying food.
• Stock the fridge with low calorie snacks.
• Don’t eat a large meal in the evening when there’s little time to exercise afterwards. Eat a hearty breakfast, a substantial lunch and a light dinner.
• Eat slowly and thoroughly chew your food.
• Don’t eat while doing something else like watching TV or using the computer.
• Eat less more often. Eating a couple of small snacks throughout the day may help you to eat smaller portions when you sit down to dinner.
• Stop eating when you’re full. It’s takes 20 minutes for the brain to realize how much is in your stomach. Try taking a break before going for seconds, this may keep you from eating them.
• Avoid eating when you are bored or upset...try to find something else to do.
• Start small. Try reducing the size or the portions you eat and giving up regular soda for a week. Then start gradually introducing healthier foods and exercise into your life.

Remember to be open and creative, and go for good taste! Eating well and eating healthy are very compatible.

Start moving your body

• A simple trick. Park farther away from the office, supermarket or mall entrance. Walk a few times around the block before bed.
  
• Burn those calories. Instead of plopping down on the couch during your favorite TV show, do some simple exercises like running in place or leg lifts.
  
• Call on Fido. Instead of letting the dog out to roam the yard, take the dog for a walk.
  
• At work. Take a walk break instead of a coffee break. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  
• Housekeeping can play a part. Wash the floors on your hands and knees. It burns calories and uses several muscle groups. A clean floor isn’t so bad either!
  
• Get the family involved . It’s always more fun to exercise with others. And, exercising can be fun…like bowling or sledding. Make it a family outing and it won’t even seem like exercise!

Your goal should be to work up to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least 3 to 5 times a week.

Make 2008 the year you work toward a healthier lifestyle and next year when you say Happy New Year you can cross the diet resolution off your list!