Five Tiny Things You Can Do to Eat Healthier in 2012

I'm cashed on lists as much as the next person, but after having scarfed on bacon-maple cookies, egg nog and straight-up homemade caramel the last couple days, I feel compelled to spread some holiday health. Glad tidings for our tickers.

I have learned quite a bit about eating and living better thanks to Jennifer over the last few years, for which I am grateful and healthful. Here are some techinques I used to implement some of what I learned:

5. Pick and Eat: Pick one fruit you really like and eat it every day. Most everyone can find something they like. I started with the obvious, banana, and now also regularly include strawberries and blueberries in my breakfast/brunch mix. Banana = gateway fruit.

4. Waste Less: Stop using napkins and paper with meals. This is less about eating and more about health, but it's easy to change your routine. We waste a lot of paper products in the name of cleanliness (especially on the go). Go out and invest in a simple set of dinner napkins. If you're crafty, maybe make everyone some napkin rings. Landfills and children will thank you.

3. Wheat A While: Wheat and whole-grain bread tastes too good to provide this many nutrients, but it does. It's an easy choice, just pay attention: choose breads that list "whole" grain as the first ingredient, such as whole wheat, white whole wheat or whole oats.

2. Localize It: Find a restaurant, retailer or farm that exclusively uses local food and ingredients or produce them, and support it. Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative has been a boon for both JPM and our household. Just bought Kennet Square mushrooms today. Keep your eyes open, it has never been easier to find local grub.

1. Drink Better for Less: If you're stuck on diet soda or other drinks that contain artificial sweeteners, this is especially for you. Watered-down juice can easily be your drink of choice in the new year. Pick your favorite all-natural juice. If you want an 8-ounce drink, pour 2oz of the juice into 6oz of filtered water and you've got yourself a refreshing, all-natural drink that's just sweet enough. Keep that 1:3 ratio for larger quantities. There's a good chance you'll kick yourself for not having tried it sooner.

See, it's not even 2012 yet and your cup is already more than half-full.

That's a healthier you, on the other side of 2012

(if you were in Newport, R.I.)