Yep. It's that time again. Time to utter those 3 words that mean almost certain failure is eminent. New Year's Resolution. Just the word "Resolution" sounds big and unattainable. Yet, it's a new year and gosh darn it, this is THE year. Unfortunately, as in all prior years, reality hits us in the head all too soon and we realize it's just too big to accomplish. So this year instead of resolving to not eat the entire pie, let's resolve to eat just one slice and enjoy every bite.

Resolution: Lose Weight

1. Drink more water

2. Cut out that morning glass of juice (kids too!)

Experts tell us that by consuming just 100 fewer calories per day the typical person will lose an average of 10lbs in one year. An average 8oz glass of orange juice is 120 calories. Replace that with water and an orange and you've just saved about 40 calories and upped your fiber intake significantly (4.5 grams)!

3. Drink green tea throughout the day. Green tea has been proven to aid in weight loss and contains specific antioxidants called catechins which help protect against cancer, bacterial infections and can improve cholesterol ratios.

4. Get a pedometer and strive to make it hit the magic number, 10,000 steps in one day!

5. Sleep- studies show that a good nights sleep significantly impacts one's metabolism, which in turn impacts one's weight.

6. Weight Loss pills. Resolve not to get sucked into the fabulous claims that are forever being made. These are never worth the risk, are dangerous at worst and expensive at best.

7. Try skipping meat one day a week.

Resolution: Go Green

1. Get rid of one-use plastic water bottles and buy yourself and family stainless steel water bottles. The prices are coming way down on these already! Or for those of us that already own these, remember to actually use them!!

2. If your garbage service offers yard waste pick up, sign up! Not only can you throw weeds that you don't want in your own compost bin, but those take-out pizza boxes, latte cups (especially the ones made out of corn), used paper towels and napkins, and that lettuce that you forgot to use that has turned into black goop in the bottom of your fridge, can go in there too!

3. Use cloth napkins instead of paper. There's a great article devoted entirely to the debate of paper vs. cloth at care2.com

Resolution: Eat meals together as a family each week

Studies show that families that sit down and eat together eat more slowly, eat healthier foods, and grow more balanced, well rounded kids than families that eat on the run. Plus kids learn more manners and how to carry on a conversation.

1.Start small. Even eating one meal together as a family each week is a great way to start!

2. A gourmet meal is not necessary. Even if grilled cheese sandwiches and carrot sticks are the only thing on the menu, you've still achieved your goal! Sitting down together as a family is what counts!

3. Plan meals, make a shopping list, and make time to go to the grocery store.

If a meal at home means thinking up a menu, going to the store and preparing it the night of, it's just not going to happen. Get the family together on the weekend, plan the menu for the week. If you have a child that needs to practice his writing skills, this is the perfect opportunity for him to help the family by writing out the grocery list. Tell your husband you need some "me time" and go to the grocery store by yourself. Take the time to read the labels, so that next time when you have the kids in tow you know which brands to throw in the cart.

Resolution: Eat Healthier

Incorporating healthier foods into your family's diet doesn't have to be difficult or a major overhaul. Simple things make all the difference!

1. Pre-cut those veggies! Carrots come pre-cut but how about celery, peppers, sugar snap peas, jicama, broccoli and cauliflower florets? If they are washed, cut and ready to go it's so much easier to incorporate them into your meal or snack.

2. Eat Hummus! Hummus is basically ground up chick peas/ garbanzo beans. It is low in calories, nutritious, filling, and easy to dip those pre-cut veggies into. Trader Joe's and Costco both have hummus that my family loves. It's easy to make your own in a food processor as well.  Allrecipes.com is a great resource for a good hummus recipe.

3. Add more whole grains to your diet. Eat popcorn! It counts as a whole grain. It's difficult to steer clear of excess salt and unhealthy saturated fats in microwave popcorn. Read labels or make your own.

4. Strive to cut-out 20 grams of sugar from your family's diet daily. Nix the juice, half the soda, eat plain yogurt with your own mix-in's, check the sugar content on that box of cereal.

Remember to keep it simple. One small change can make all the difference! Have a Healthy and Happy New Year!