The New Year has arrived! Eating right, working out more, and other healthy lifestyle habits are probably on your to-do list for 2015. Motivation runs high at the beginning of January. Here’s how to harness your excitement for better living and keep it going all year long.

Diet on a full stomach  

Hunger diminishes your enthusiasm for healthy eating.  It’s OK to cut some unnecessary calories, but there’s no reason to slash so many that you’re hungry all the time. Drastic dieting works in the short term, but rarely produces permanent weight loss.  Choose a calorie level for weight control that you can sustain. Check out SuperTracker for a free, personal approach to weight control. 

Stay satisfied

Easy-to-prepare, protein-packed meals and snacks are keys to eating satisfaction on a balanced diet.  Hood® Cottage Cheese is rich in protein, a nutrient you should include in every meal and snack.  Make sure to check out our cottage cheese recipe collection.

Eat more, weigh less

Focus on foods to include that fill you up, not out, such as fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. For example, having a goal of eating five servings of fruits and vegetables every day may mean you eat fewer low-nutrient foods, and feel better for it.  

Don’t deprive yourself

There’s always room for treats in small amounts, whether or not weight loss is your goal. But splurge only on the foods you absolutely love. Depending on your overall daily calorie “budget,” allow between 100 and 200 calories a day for “fun” foods, such as chips, chocolate, and ice cream.  

Work it out slowly

Your healthy food and fitness routine has been on hiatus, so don’t expect to get back to it full force right away. For example, if you had been exercising five days a week, commit to working out two or three times this week. If that’s too much, no worries! Lace up your sneakers and take a short walk today. Gradually increase exercise to at least 30 minutes five times weekly.  There’s no time limit on fitness.