5 Ways to Keep Healthy in 2012

If you haven't thought about improving your health recently, chances are you will in the coming weeks.  Many Americans are thinking about New Years Resolutions this time of year, although few of them will keep them.

I am not perfect, but I keep a healthy lifestyle top of mind year round.  I thought today would be a good time to share some of the things I do to keep my diet and fitness level in check.

Record What You Eat : Sites like Fat Secret & Spark People make it easy to record every morsel that goes into your mouth.  Knowledge is power, and knowing how many calories you consume is the first step in determining if you need more or less to satisfy your nutritional needs.

Limit Splurges : It is okay to splurge every once in awhile, but if you do it too much you will see your weight creep up quickly.  As a rule I try to keep the splurging to a minimum, and never have more then one per day.  For example, if I am out to eat and chose french fries, then I will skip dessert.

Make Smart Choices : Chose grilled or baked over fried foods when you are eating out.  Another good trick is to not bring anything unhealthy into your home.  Then when you go out to a restaurant you don't have to worry as much about your calories.  Limit sugars, and load up on vegetables -- the usual healthy basics.

Research Eating Out : Chain restaurants are notorious for having high calorie fare.  Even some seemingly healthy restaurants can pack on the calories and fat.  The good thing for you?  Nutritional values are readily available on the internet so if you are planning on eating out check out the facts first.  Then you can have some smart choices in mind when you arrive.

Get Active : Find time daily for exercise.  Even if it is just a short walk, I make sure to get some activity in my day.  For me it can range anywhere from a gym or video workout to a walk with my husband after work.  Sometimes on weekends when it is cold or rainy we even walk the mall or a a large store like Lowe's just to keep active.  The good thing about exercise is -- the more you do it the more your body will crave it.

If you have any tips please feel free to comment!