New Year's Resolution Calendar

At the stroke of midnight on December 31, millions of Americans will resolve to start eating better and /or lose those extra pounds they are carrying around. But within a few days or weeks, most will have given up.This year, take a systematic approach to those nutrition-related resolutions. Instead of resolving to “eat better and lose weight,” set one resolution for each month throughout the year. This can improve the chance that your resolutions are kept and that they actually turn into new and healthy habits.JanuaryReduce your intake of artery-clogging saturated fat by switching from whole milk and dairy products to low-fat or nonfat milk and dairy products. This includes sour cream, yogurt, cheeses, and canned milk as well as whole milk.FebruaryIncrease your intake of fruits to two to three servings a day. Make it as easy to reach for a piece of fruit as it is to reach for a cookie by keeping a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. Use canned or dried fruits for snacks on the go. Eat vitamin C-rich fruit like oranges, strawberries, or kiwi every day.MarchIncrease your intake of vegetables to three to five servings a day. 3 to 4 times a week, choose dark green, deep yellow and orange vegetables such as romaine lettuce, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and carrots.AprilInstead of high fat, high sugar snacks, choose foods like whole-grain crackers, low-fat popcorn, pretzels, rice cakes, popcorn cakes, and graham crackers. Of course, fruits and veggies are excellent choices as well.MayReduce your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol by eating at least one meatless meal each week. Plan menus that include pasta dishes, bean dishes, whole-grain bread, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Baked potatoes are easy to make and can function as the entree. Vegetarian chili is another option.JuneLimit your intake of sodium. Choose “low salt” or “no salt added” versions of foods such as crackers, nuts, canned vegetables, soups, and soy sauce. Use less salt in cooking, and don’t add salt to food at the table.JulyReduce your intake of fat by limiting fried foods to once a week or less. This includes fried meats, French fries, fried cheese, chips, grilled sandwiches, cheese curls, and fried vegetables.AugustBoost your fiber intake by starting the day with a bowl of high fiber cereal. Look for cereals that have at least 4 grams of fiber per serving. Increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains will also help increase your fiber intake.SeptemberReduce your risk of osteoporosis by including good sources of calcium in your diet. Lowfat or nonfat milk or yogurt are the best sources of calcium. However, foods like leafy green vegetables, figs, beans, and salmon and sardines with the bones are good sources as well.OctoberEat fish at least twice a week. Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines, and herring contain omega-3 fatty acids which appear to reduce the risk of heart disease.NovemberAs the holiday season approaches, begin practicing low-fat cooking techniques. Look for ways to modify your favorite recipes to lower the fat and calorie content. Attend healthy cooking classes that may be offered at hospitals in your area.DecemberThe holiday season is upon you. Try to maintain your weight by sticking to a consistent exercise schedule and limiting high-calorie foods. As you look back over the previous, you will have now developed 12 new healthy eating habits to make you healthier in the upcoming year.By Beth Fontenot, MS, RD.[shopify embed_type="collection" shop="nutrition-education-store.myshopify.com" product_handle="new-products"][shopify embed_type="collection" shop="nutrition-education-store.myshopify.com" product_handle="9-99-poster"]Download: Resolution Calendar PDF Handout #BEST2020