Tips for eating healthier this year

Switch to healthy grains. Instead of polished rice, get brown rice/local rice. Instead of white flour, use whole-wheat flour. You will be getting more value out of every meal.

Fry less. Food tastes just as good-or even better-when oven roasted. This goes for chicken, meat and just about any food you can think of frying. The removal of vegetable oil makes for a healthier food too.

Snack smart. Instead of bingeing on snacks every day at work, brings an apple or a bag of dried nut mix. It is equally satisfying, and healthier.

Drink water. Hydration is very important as part of the diet. When you are thirsty and need something refreshing, reach for a bottle of water instead of a soft drink.

Use smaller plates for portion control. You will still have a full plate, but it is less than what you would normally eat. This is a way of tricking yourself into eating less.

Switch up for healthier ingredients. Like using avocados instead of butter, or egg whites instead of whole eggs, or honey instead of sugar.

Incorporate (uncooked) vegetables into every meal. This is one way of getting your daily-required dosage without stress.

A fruit a day is necessary. Switch things up by grabbing some oranges or pineapple or watermelon on your way back from work. No matter how small, try to eat at least one fruit every day.

Plan meals ahead. This will help you to be more organized and conscious about your diet, instead of just grabbing anything available at the last minute-a sure way of eating more junk.

Let this be the year of healthy nutrition and great diet! You will find that you will lose unnecessary weight without stress, and you will be happier and more fulfilled.