Healthy New Year's Resolution Tip Sheet

Eat Several Smaller Meals Throughout the Day

• Eating four or five small meals a day keeps us from feeling overly hungry, which can result in consuming the wrong types of foods and overeating during any one sitting.

• Make breakfast and lunch the more substantial meals of your day.  Eat a lighter dinner.

• If you’re hungry between meals, tide yourself over with a small salad topped with canned artichokes or a small serving of canned vegetables.  And remember to get your calories during the day when your body needs energy the most.

Eat More Vegetables

• Adding more fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to improve a healthy lifestyle.

• Fruits and vegetables are great low-calorie treats.  They help people maintain or lose weight because they are filling and nutrient dense.

• For added nutrition in the morning, top your cereal with canned fruits.  Round out your lunch with plenty of canned vegetables.

• For a quick snack, stock up on canned fruits and vegetables at work or in your gym bag.

Choose Healthy Snacking Options 

• If you crave sweets, try canned pineapple chunks, peaches or pears as an alternative.

• If salty snacks are your treat of choice, try canned tomato salsa with low-fat, baked chips.

• Stay away from junk foods before going to bed.  If you have the urge to snack after dinner and before bedtime, opt for a healthier snack like canned nuts or fruit.

Allow Yourself to Indulge in an Occasional Treat 

• It’s okay to enjoy your favorite treat as long as it is done in moderation.

• If you’re hungry, don’t nibble – take a small portion, sit back and really enjoy the food.

• Try to limit or cut back on the frequency of sweet and salty snacks.  If you regularly treat yourself once a day, cut that back to once every other day.  This will make a difference in your daily calorie consumption and help trim your waistline.

Make Physical Exercise a Regular Part of Your Weekly Routine

• Exercise makes you look and feel healthy and young.  Sign up for an aerobics class or meet a friend after work to walk three times a week.

• Walk the stairs instead of taking the elevator at work for added exercise.

• Do something fun – go ice skating or skiing or go out dancing with friends.  And remember, don’t take the “work” in your workout too seriously.