As the new year begins, it’s a great time to think about our nutritional habits and how we can make positive changes. Here are five important do’s and don’ts to consider as you strive for a healthier, happier you in 2019.

Do: Eat a Varied Diet

One of the most important things you can do for your health is to eat a varied diet. This means consuming a range of different nutrients from a variety of sources. Aim to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Don’t be afraid to try new foods or experiment with different recipes to keep things interesting. A varied diet is not only good for your physical health, but your mental health as well.

Don’t: Skip Meals

Skipping meals may seem like a good idea if you’re trying to lose weight, but it can actually backfire. When you skip a meal, your body goes into “starvation mode” and begins to conserve calories, which can slow down your metabolism.

Instead of skipping meals, aim to eat three regular meals a day and, if you’re feeling hungry, incorporate healthy snacks like nuts or fruit into your diet. This will help you maintain stable blood sugar levels and keep your energy levels high throughout the day.

Do: Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water is essential for good health. Water helps to regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, and flush out toxins.

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, or more if you are particularly active or live in a hot climate. If you struggle to drink enough water, try infusing it with fresh fruits or herbs to make it more flavorful.

Don’t: Eat Too Much Sugar

We all know that sugar is bad for us, but many of us still consume too much of it. Eating too much sugar can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

To cut down on your sugar intake, try to limit your consumption of processed foods and opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead.

Do: Cook at Home

Cooking at home is a great way to take control of what you eat and ensure that your meals are healthy and nutritious. When you cook at home, you can choose fresh, whole ingredients and control the amount of salt, sugar, and fat that goes into your food.

Additionally, cooking at home can be a fun and creative way to experiment with new foods and flavors. Try setting aside one day a week to meal prep or experiment with new recipes.

Don’t: Overdo It on Processed Foods

Processed foods can be convenient, but they are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Additionally, many processed foods are stripped of important nutrients and can lead to overeating.

To reduce your reliance on processed foods, try to cook at home more often and opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible. If you do buy processed foods, read the labels carefully and choose options with fewer additives and preservatives.

Do: Eat Mindfully

Eating mindfully means paying attention to the sensory experience of eating, including the taste, texture, and aroma of your food. This can help you enjoy your meals more and avoid overeating.

When you eat, try to focus on your food and avoid distractions like your phone or TV. Additionally, try to eat slowly and savor each bite. This will give your brain enough time to register that you’re full, which can help prevent overeating.

Don’t: Drink Too Much Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can have a negative impact on your health. Alcohol can damage your liver, raise your blood pressure, and increase your risk of cancer. Additionally, alcohol is often high in empty calories, which can contribute to weight gain.

To minimize the negative effects of alcohol, try to limit your intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Do: Prioritize Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for good health. When you don’t get enough sleep, you may feel tired, irritable, and have difficulty focusing.

Additionally, sleep deprivation can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate hormones, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. To prioritize sleep, aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night and establish a regular sleep routine. This may include turning off electronic devices before bed, limiting caffeine intake, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.

Don’t: Ignore Your Body’s Signals

Your body is incredibly smart and knows what it needs. If you’re hungry, tired, or thirsty, listen to your body’s signals and respond accordingly. Ignoring your body’s signals can lead to overeating, fatigue, and other health problems.

Additionally, if you experience any unusual symptoms like persistent pain, headaches, or digestive issues, don’t ignore them. These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious health problem, so it’s important to seek medical attention if necessary.