Local dietitian offers tips to those looking to eat healthier in the New Year

One day or day one? That’s the question many people will ask themselves as they prepare to begin a New Year’s resolution.

Heading into 2024, 32% of Americans wanted to eat healthier in the new year according to Forbes. Jessica Smith, a dietitian at Hy-Vee, offered tips to those wanting to do the same this new year.

“Making those resolutions smart, simple and sustainable,” is key, Smith said. “You want to make them smart so that it makes sense what you are trying to achieve. Simple, you want to make it something attainable. Something sustainable, if it’s not something that you can continue doing, it’s going to be one of those resolutions you do for the first week of January.”

Eating healthier can come with different goals. Calorie count, macros or cutting out certain foods can make up some of the well-rounded goals. Smith usually works around a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet.

“That calorie goal you would be looking for depending on if it is a meal or a snack, five to 600 calories a meal, 200 calories a snack would be appropriate,” Smith said.

Finding ways to incorporate all your favorite foods into the goals can help keep the resolution sustainable. Smith suggests “shopping the perimeter of the store.”

“Your meats, your dairy, they’re all going to have some good protein and fat,” Smith said. “If you trying to choose lower fat, maybe you want leaner protein.”

Low-fat milk over whole-fat milk is an easy substitute. High-protein goals can be met with the help of core-powered shakes and performance-inspired protein powder.

Avoiding empty calories and eating more nutrient-dense foods also can help. Empty calories include high-calorie sodas and alcohol along with candy, pastries and junk food. Understanding these items can come up in the future, Smith suggests planning for those calories.

“Leaving yourself those allowances,” Smith said. “If you know that you’re going to want chocolate at the party or before you go to bed when you’re watching TV, make sure that you allow yourself a couple bites of dark chocolate and maybe don’t eat the entire tub of chocolate ice cream.”