Eating healthy isn’t merely a resolution, but rather a lifestyle that boosts self-confidence, self-esteem and self-appreciation. Eating healthy requires no special diet or hardcore fitness program, but simply eating regular, balanced meals and nutritious snacks while avoiding excessive calorie consumption through foods of low quality. Here are fifteen tips for cutting down on calories during the new year:

1. Use smaller dish sizes. By using smaller dish sizes, less food will look like more.

2. Eat on a regular schedule. The body functions best with a good routine of eating, sleeping and exercising.

3. Drink plenty of fluids. Even in the cold winter months, staying fully hydrated will help the body process food better and reduce false hunger.

4. Eat dehydrated foods. Dehydrated fruits and nuts make great snacks due to their nutritious properties, sweet and salty nature, portability and ability to provide energy with small quantities.

5. Eat snacks. Snacks can be a great way to reduce hunger and provide energy between meals, but also helps reduce overeating during meals.

6. Avoid foods with empty calories and no nutritious value.

7. Eat a variety of foods.

8. Avoid just “grabbing coffee” or “doing lunch” with friends merely for the social aspect.

9. Don’t eat late at night. Staying up late and studying isn’t a good excuse to keep eating, and if hunger strikes late at night, try drinking fluids first to alleviate hunger.

10. Avoid eating at parties or club meetings just because everyone else is eating. Eat when appropriate for your specific body’s needs.

11. Avoid caffeinated beverages when possible. Drink other options, even for a late night study party.

12. Portion control. Take small helpings first, and after finished, reevaluate hunger levels before getting seconds. At college, seconds are almost always available, so first portions don’t need to be huge.

13. Avoid eating to fight stress. Eating won’t make stress vanish and will cause unhealthy habits that can lead to additional stress.  Fight stress with taking breaks, working out, or doing something fun.

14. Don’t skip meals when possible. Skipping meals will not assist with weight-loss, but will cause low energy, overeating and other poor dietary habits.

15. Make it convenient to eat a balanced diet with meal planning and healthy snack availability. Indulge every once in a while with a comfort food.