But that doesn't mean I believe it's wrong to have them. If you like making New Years resolutions and you plan on keeping them and do, then by all means, begin making yours now. I have an idea for a change that will affect your whole life with greater productivity, more confidence, and most important, greater health. Yes, you guessed it, make a resolution to eat healthier throughout the New Year. And by beginning right away, as soon as Christmas Day, you'll have a head start.

Begin the New Year now by understanding portion size, the value of fresh vegetables, the idea that the meat isn't supposed to take up most of your plate, and the necessity of not making dessert a must at the end of every meal. Keeping the simple eating tips above in mind, you should face Christmas and New Years Day festivities with a resolve to be a healthy, happier person which will result in becoming a more successful person in your everyday life. So when preparing the foods you love, keep the fat content low.

By using herbs and seasonings you can make your food more appetizing and therefore, help yourself and your family to enjoy good eating, while cutting back on sugar treats and rich foods. Successful eating habits will change your life and will make your new year the best ever! So stop frying. You know it's wrong, but you keep doing it anyway. The frying process adds simple carbohydrates and fat to your cooking. These are two things you want to try to eat less of. Now I didn't say eliminate them altogether. There's no sense depriving ourselves, and besides we shouldn't cut out carbohydrates and fat from our diets completely.

While! I am not personally an advocate of removing all carbohydrates from any diet I do believe it is a good idea to switch, whenever possible and tolerable to more complex carbohydrates that are healthier to consume. Fats on the other hand, should always be in moderation. It is best to save their use for those times when it is a real treat, rather than making them a daily habit. Reserve the fats for fun food and rewards rather than squandering them on fuel that is meant to merely get you through the day. All we need to do is cut down.

Prepare for smaller meals rather than cooking large meals and eating perhaps a three course dinner. Begin on Christmas Day to set the tone for the New year by serving smaller portions – at least for yourself. Your guests might get mad at you if you include them in your resolution. Food is the fuel your body needs to carry out its functions properly.

The bad news is that far too many of us really enjoy food to the extent that we overindulge, which also prevents the body from working properly. You will need to work to discover what the optimal amount of food and calories is for your dietary needs. Through this trial and error process you'll gain control over your body and your life. Realizing that you've mastered the challenge of self discipline, you'll become empowered to accomplish whatever task you set out to do.

Margaret Lukasik