Guest Author - Jill Valente

Here are some great resolutions to make in order to lead a healthier life in 2008:

1. Make black eyed peas on New Year’s Day to bring luck and prosperity in 2008. As an added bonus they are full of fiber.
2. Eat breakfast everyday! It’s the most important meal of the day and an integral part of losing weight and leading a healthy lifestyle.
3. Increase your vegetable servings. A good guide to use is to make sure ¾ of your plate is filled with vegetables and the remaining ¼ should be lean protein.
4. Experiment with new foods. Try out that pomegranate or throw some fresh herbs into your next dish
5. Flavor fish, poultry and lean meats with spice rubs instead of fattening marinades.
6. Clear the pantry of processed foods. Get rid of the cookies, cakes and chips and start fresh for the New Year.
7. Switch from white flour to whole wheat flour when making your next bread.
8. Use natural sweeteners such as dried fruits and applesauce to reduce sugar in cakes and cookies.
9. Switch from regular soda to diet soda. It's a waste of calories and has no nutritional value.
10. Take it a step further and get rid of soda all together. Swap your pop in for some healthier alternatives like water or sparkling water with a wedge of lime.
11. Switch from whole milk to low fat or skim milk.
12. Drink more water. Staying hydrated is imperative to your health.
13. Drink more tea. It is full of antioxidants.
14. Order an egg white omelet with lots of veggies the next time you are out for brunch and you will hardly miss the yolks.
15. Try out whole wheat bread instead of white bread for your next sandwich.
16. Instead of fries on the side, swap them out for a salad.
17. Keep oranges, apples and bananas in plain view and increase your fruit servings per day.
18. Take help from the store and buy pre-sliced and pre-washed vegetables for easy salads and sides.
19. Eat fish twice a week.
20. Never go more than 4 or 5 hours without eating.
21. Don’t eat too much red meat and when you do make sure it’s a lean cut and the proper portion (about the size of your palm).
22. Snack healthy. A handful of nuts will curb your hunger.
23. Order your dressing or sauce on the side to control the amount.
24. Split desserts. Everything is great in moderation!
25. Exercise at least 2-3 times a week.
26. Cook healthy for your whole family, they will thank you for it later!
27. Get rid of the bread basket at dinner.
28. Order an appetizer or dessert, just don’t have both.
29. Get a good night’s rest.
30. Sign up for the BellaOnline Healthy Foods Newsletter and keep reading my articles.
31. Enjoy every moment of your life!

Happy New Year!! I wish you all the best in 2008!