Jumpstart a Healthy Diet

By Laura Stewart

The holidays have come and gone, but the repercussions of stress eating, overeating and increased alcohol consumption may still remain. Since weight loss and healthy eating is the most frequent New Year's resolution, it's time to get back on track with these healthy diet tips, meals and snack suggestions.

Cutting Costs

Holiday spending can derail the nutritional goals of price conscious eaters, unless you cook at home. Keep fruit, vegetables, fish and whole grains in your diet by choosing affordable canned salmon; making smoothies with large bags of organic berries from warehouse stores; combining steamed brown rice with kimchee and tofu; or mixing one pound of ground sirloin with red beans, vegetables and seasoning to make a hearty winter chili.

Beans, Nature's Magical Fruit

Navy beans, white beans, small red beans and lentils are an affordable and filling source of plant protein, vitamin B complex and nutrients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that of all foods, the richest source of antioxidants is small red beans.

Eat a Big Breakfast

Eating a hearty breakfast first thing in the morning fires up your metabolism by taking advantage of your body's circadian rhythms. These rhythms influence hormones, how your body uses carbohydrates and proteins for fuel, as well as how efficiently it burns body fat.

Let's Hear It For the Egg

Omega-3 eggs are an inexpensive source of protein and heart-healthy fat. A recent study found that when people ate a scrambled-egg-and-toast breakfast, they felt more satisfied and ate less at lunch than when they ate a bagel that supplied the same number of calories.

Snack Attack

Homemade snacks are affordable and nutritious. Combine cup cottage cheese with one diced tomato, fresh basil, one teaspoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. For convenience, the snack can be made in a large batch and portioned out in a single-sized Tupperware.

Savoring Soup

Soups are a terrific way to eat healthy while saving money and time in the kitchen. For a light and filling lunch, cook one pound of dried beans according to package directions, but replace water with chicken stock. When beans are tender, add hearty greens and simmer for a few more minutes.