12 Months To a Better You

JANUARY

Drink more water. It sounds so easy, but it works. One study found that drinking water helps you lose weight. Water keeps you feeling full so you'll eat less. Plus, it flushes out toxins. Drink a minimum of 8-ounces cups per day. And if you're thirsty, drink another glass

FEBRUARY

Make breakfast a priority. A study of people who lost 30 pounds or more and kept it off for more than a year showed 78 percent ate breakfast. Keep breakfast simple with a bowl of whole grain cereal and a nonfat milk and fruit or whole-wheat toast with low fat cheese and yogurt.

MARCH

Get more sleep. Research shows that one-quarter of adults in the US don't get enough sleep. Getting your ZZZ's helps your body fights off illnesses like the cold or flu, and may lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes. For a better, healthier you, aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.

APRIL

Keep a food journal. Writing down what you eat may double your weight loss, according to researches. Keep track of your intake makes you more aware of what you're eating. It also helps you identify specific food habits and where you can make healthy changes.

MAY

Go for a walk. When it comes to exercise, walking is free, requires no special equipment and can be done anywhere. You need 30 most nutes of walking at a brisk pace five days a week. If time is a problem, break your walks into 10 or 15 minutes intervals two to three times a day.

JUNE

Eat your fruits and veggies. Low in calories and full of fibers, you can't go wrong eating more of this nutrient-rich gems. You'll have an easiest time maintaining a healthy weight and also a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. Fill half your plate with fruit and veggies.

JULY

Downsize your plate. Your eyes can sometimes be too big for your stomach. Trade your large dinner plate for a smaller lunch plate to cut portions and save calories. Your plate will look full and satisfying, you'll eat less.

AUGUST

Go meatless. You don't have to give up meat altogether, but make a plan to eat one or two meatless meals a week for better health. One study shows that eating less meat, specially red meat and deli meat, may lower your risk of cancer and heart disease.

SEPTEMBER

Find a workout Buddy. Working out with a friend may increase your motivation to exercise. It makes workout more fun when you a special element to them. Plus, an accountability system helps you stay consistent.

OCTOBER

Savor your meals. Perfect the art of slow eating. It takes your brain 20 minutes to send out signal of fullness. Taking your time when eating helps eat fewer calories and leaves you feeling more satisfied.

NOVEMBER

Unplug and Unwind. The constant buzz of phone and email messages makes it hard to relax. Research shows that heavy technology use may lead to increased risk of depression, stress and sleep disorders. Make time to put the technology away and connect with yourself and loved ones.

DECEMBER

Don't skip meals. Don't let your social calendar thwart all your efforts. You may be tempted to skip lunch or dinner in an effort to save room for party food, but it may backfire. Skipping meals leads to extreme hunger, and you may end up eating more than you intended.