Now that we’re a few days into the near year, it’s resolution time again. For many people eating more healthfully and losing weight is on top of their list. Following are some suggestions for setting healthy, attainable nutrition goals for the New Year:

• Start by assessing your current food choices and lifestyle. Keep track of what you eat and drink, so you can identify the behaviors you would like to change.
• Don’t bite off more than you can chew! List the eating habits you’d like to change and select one habit at a time to focus on. A list of habits is easier to tackle than sweeping resolutions.
• Keep your list with you at all times. It will serve as a reminder and motivator to help you make healthful changes each day.
• Set goals and be realistic. Divide big, broad goals such as “I will eat better” into smaller, more specific goals such as “I will eat one more piece of fruit per day”.
• Be patient and don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately. Real, permanent change takes time, commitment and encouragement. If you get off track, pick up where you left off and start again.
• Incorporate physical activity into your healthier lifestyle. Try to walk each day, schedule an exercise class or join a fitness center with professional staff that can customize an exercise program to your individual needs.
• Seek help from a qualified health professional. A Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist is the best source of reliable and current food and nutrition information, with the skills to translate nutrition science into practical advice you can use.
• Take care of yourself! Feeling good and enjoying the best possible health will always be the best reward.

A healthy lifestyle is achieved through small, sustainable changes.