If your New Years resolution includes losing weight, try an approach that encourages a healthier lifestyle overall.

This includes adequate sleep, physical activity, nutritious eating and managing stress. Small adjustments add up to lifestyle changes you can live with.

Start with healthy snacks. Keep a fruit bowl within easy reach, and nutritious choices at eye level in the refrigerator.

Eat breakfast and lunch so you don’t get ravenously hungry, setting you up for overeating at dinner.

Cut back on your portion sizes gradually. Read nutrition labels, avoiding foods that contain a high daily percentage of fat, especially saturated fat and trans-fat or hydrogenated vegetable oil.

Explore the fresh produce section of your supermarket and expand your repertoire of fruits and vegetables by trying some leafy greens for salads and soups, root vegetables for roasting and tropical fruits for desserts.

Become more aware of everything you eat and drink by writing in down in a food journal. This will identify habits – perhaps an unhealthy mid-afternoon snack, late night cravings, or an evening cocktail routine where calories can easily add up.