Nibble on This – Happy New Year edition

Valerie Costanza, RD

by Valerie Costanza, RD

Can you believe it? 2009 is almost over and the new year is just about here. It is time to start making your 2010 New Year’s resolutions.

Make this year a healthy one. Set your goals to be realistic, measurable and time sensitive. Don’t make goals that will be impossible for you to reach. This will only set you up for failure. Make goals measurable by applying specific numbers to your goals. Give yourself a time frame to work within.

If weight loss is on your mind, set a long-term goal by applying a realistic number to reach by a certain date. Then set small, short term goals to work toward each week or month. An example would be you will lose 15 pounds by April 1st. You will accomplish this by setting small, short-term goals:

• Decrease sodas to no more than 2 sodas per week for 2 weeks
• Decrease sugar by having no more than 1 dessert per week
• Increase water intake by 1 glass per day for 1 week
• Increase vegetables by eating at least 3 servings per day for 1 month

Making your goals attainable is the first step in keeping your 2010 New Year’s resolutions. Start the New Year off right with this healthy alternative to the traditional New Year’s meal.

Try this recipe for Collard Green and Black-Eyed Pea Soup.