It’s the start of a new year, and for many people, that means it’s time to start their New Year’s resolutions.

A local market is offering tips for those whose New Year’s resolution might involve a healthy lifestyle. Oryana Natural Foods Market of Traverse City offered a few suggestions for anyone hoping to take on a healthier diet for the new year.

• Cook from scratch. Oryana Natural Foods says Home-cooked meals made with whole food ingredients generally have more nutritional value than prepared meals and take out fare.
• Skip the meat at least once a week. According to the local food market, Meatless meals high in whole grains, vegetables and beans can reduce the cholesterol and fat you consume while saving the family budget.
• Make your own stews, soups, and chili this winter. Big pots of hearty fare, served with whole grains or crusty bread, can last many days, saving on cooking time.
• Eat a balanced breakfast – one that includes protein. Those at Oryana Natural Foods said that breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, from a health perspective.
• Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s suggested to strive for 9 servings a day.
• Drink more water. Energy drinks, pop, coffee, and even some juice drinks can be high in calories and caffeine while being low in nutrition. Starting to substitute more water throughout the day is a very healthy choice
• Replace the whites — white bread, white flour, white rice – with whole grain alternatives. Eating whole grain foods offers more nutritional value than eating the “white” versions of the same foods.
• Try healthy snacks. Bring whole nuts, dried fruit and trail mix to work or school. These healthy snacks will fill you up more than junk food, while providing solid nutrition.
• Eat smaller meals. If you take small bites and chew more, you should fill up more quickly with smaller portions.
• Change for the long term. Don’t put all your energy into crash diets; make gradual lifestyle changes that you can live with for a long time.