January is a great time to try new things. Many of us have made New Year’s resolutions, determined to be happier and healthier from here on out. Often, though, broad-sweeping resolutions are difficult to keep. Even goals aimed to keep you healthy. Don’t bite off more than you can chew! By just sticking to small, easily obtainable changes, before you realize it, you’ll have reached your goal. And one goal will beget another goal. Try it…you’ll see.

For example, working on your diet this month? After a holiday season filled with fabulous foods, indulgent treats not usually eaten in such quantities, now is a great month to re-think what foods you do want to eat. You don’t have to overhaul your entire diet. Snack foods are a great place to start.

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When the mid-afternoon blahs hit and you start to reach for a bag of chips, maybe a cookie, stop, think and try again! Grab a handful of nuts instead, maybe an orange, or perhaps a little Greek yogurt.

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A calorie is not a calorie is not a calorie. On average, an adult non-pregnant woman needs approximately 1800–2000 calories a day. An Oreo cookie has approximately 80 calories. And saturated fat. And added sugar. A navel orange has approximately 80 calories. And no saturated fat. And loads of antioxidants such as vitamins A and C. I repeat: A calorie is not a calorie. All food is not created equal.

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Why does it matter? What’s a cookie in the scheme of things? Let me tell you. So many of the chronic diseases that affect us are lifestyle-driven. Your lifestyle affects your health. Whether you eat breakfast today, whether you choose to exercise today, and whether you choose to address the stress in your life today…all of these affect you. And your health. Worried about your waistline? Worried about your risk of cancer? Worried about diabetes? Then grabbing for a cookie instead of an orange really matters. Small decisions add up. Small resolutions do, too.

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