some dieting tips for the new year

things to avoid.
Skipping meals is a big no-no. Many healthy eaters "diet by day and binge by night

Don't "graze" yourself fat. You can easily munch 600 calories of pretzels or cereal without realizing it.

Eating pasta like crazy. A serving of pasta is 1 cup, but some people routinely eat 4 cups.

Eating supersize bagels of 400 to 500 calories for snacks
Snacking on bowls of nuts. Nuts are healthy but dense with calories. Put those bowls away, and use nuts as a garnish instead of a snack.

Thinking all energy bars and fruit smoothies are low-cal

things to do
Start eating a big breakfast. It helps you eat fewer total calories throughout the day.

Make sure your plate is half veggies and/or fruit at both lunch and dinner.

Resolve never to supersize your food portions--unless you want to supersize your clothes.