If your New Year's resolution involves eating healthier in 2011, or if you're looking to lose a few post-holiday pounds, celebrity nutritionist and product formulator Paula Simpson recommends incorporating five key foods intro your diet—foods she says that, if eaten every day, "will help control the appetite and encourage weight loss." The wonder list includes: Raw Veggies, which are loaded with vitamins and bulky fiber (choose raw, non-starchy veggies such as carrots, peppers and leafy greens, which are great appetite suppressants); Rice, Nut or Soy Milk, which boast calcium, protein, vitamin D and fiber (do at least a serving a day); Green Tea, for the antioxidants and stress-relieving properties; Cinnamon (at least half a teaspoon a day) to regulate blood sugar levels, reduce cravings and lower bad cholesterol; and Lean Turkey, to boost the metabolism and maintain lean muscle tissue.

According to Jackie Keller, nutrition expert, licensed wellness coach, and the Founding Director of L.A.'s NutriFit gourmet home meal delivery service, there are several diet myths out there that can actually hurt, not help, dieters. Case in point: the idea that carbs should be cut-out entirely. "The weight loss that low-carb dieters achieve in the first two weeks of carbohydrate deprivation is not surprising," says Jackie, since the loss comes from the overall fewer calories in their diets, not the fewer carbs. "Weight loss is all about healthy calories taken in, in the right proportion, and significantly more calories expended out, in the form of physical activity. Carb-cutting will cause the body to shed water weight, as carbohydrates are stored in the body with water. Eventually, that water weight will come right back, and such a yo-yo weight loss is counterproductive and bad for overall metabolism." Instead, balance diets with "good", complex carbs like whole grains, nuts, beans and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.

For more from Jackie, visit www.nutrifitonline.com.

According to Jackie Keller, nutrition expert, licensed wellness coach, and the Founding Director of L.A.'s NutriFit gourmet home meal delivery service, there are several diet myths out there that can actually hurt, not help, dieters. Once such myth: All fats are bad. "Not all fats are created equal," she explains. "Research shows that monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats--which are found in foods like fish, olive oil, avocados and walnuts--can actually improve levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce the risk of heart disease." According to Jackie, these healthy fats can aid in weight loss and even delay hunger pangs when consumed in appropriate amounts. "Ultimately," she stresses, "the only eating plan that is healthy and will achieve long-term weight loss goals is one that contains a balance of favorable carbohydrates, proteins and fats."

For more from Jackie, visit www.nutrifitonline.com.

Whether you're at a desk all day or out on the go, chances are the way you are moving and sitting is causing some pain. For some quick posture-improving tips, we turned to Esther Gokhale, founder of the Gokhale Method, which uses an anthropological approach to pain-free living. "When you're at your computer," she says, "come in close so you are not tempted to hunch your shoulders and/or body to reach the keyboard. Roll your shoulders back so they are in a good starting position, and then come in towards your keyboard so you can reach it with just your forearms out ahead of you." For when you are running errands, Gokhale stresses a proper purse-carrying technique. "Carry your purse closer to your spine than your belly button. Use your elbow to nudge the bag or straps towards your back; this way, there's less pressure on your back, the purse doesn't slide from your shoulders as easily and the weight of the purse helps settle your shoulder backward instead of forward." Plus, "don't tense your shoulder upward against the weight of the purse; you want to let the weight of the purse help pull your shoulder gently downward." For more tips from Esther Gokhale, visit www.egwellness.com.

According to posture expert Esther Gokhale, the way we stand can have an important effect on the health of our muscles—and help prevent foot problems. "When you are standing in line, check that your weight is mainly over your heels," she says. "Your heels are much better equipped to take the weight of your body than the delicate tissues in the front of your feet. Rock your hips back and forth till you feel most of your weight leave the front of your feet, then counterbalance this shift by hinging your upper body forward so you feel stable. You are now preventing a host of foot problems, including bunions, plantar fasciitis, and Morton's neuroma." For more tips from Esther Gokhale, visit www.egwellness.com.

When it comes to tackling household germs, bathrooms may get all the attention, but it's actually kitchens that harbor the most harmful bacteria. Dr. Larry Weiss, Chief Scientist for CleanWell sanitizing products, explains that the main safe havens for germs are cutting boards, counter tops and sponges, where micro-crevices can harbor countless unseen bacteria. For quick sanitizing, wet your sponge and pop it in the microwave for two minutes, which should eliminate most of the creepy-crawlies. The cracks on cutting boards are also cozy germ homes, so use separate boards for raw meat and veggies, and be sure to clean and disinfect inside the fridge, microwave, cupboards and other surfaces that come into frequent contact with food.

For more on at-home sanitizing and anti-bacterial products, visit www.cleanwelltoday.com.

According to reports, 45 percent of men, women and children in the U.S. snore and 20 million are thought to have sleep apnea—but only 10 percent have been diagnosed and treated. To help inform the public on the dangers of snoring and sleep apnea—which can result from (or cause) heart complications, high blood pressure, obesity and accidental injury, among other conditions—Snoring Isn't Sexy was launched in 2008. In addition to promoting the role of dentistry in recognizing and managing these sleep disorders (mainly through oral appliance therapy), the association has also created a Snoring and Sleep Apnea Self-Awareness questionnaire, which includes the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to measure your daytime grogginess and sleep disorder risk factors. Take a look at the questions on www.snoringisntsexy.com, and talk to your doctor or dentist about your results.

To help keep us healthy in the warmer months, we asked New York City-based dietician Caren Tishfield for her tips on eating right. "It's all about eating food, not ingredients," she stresses, explaining that it's best to "go organic" when possible, because "the less ingredients there are, the better. Not only is it fewer consumed calories, but you'll also be avoiding pesticides that knock our bodies off track." For those hoping to lose a few pounds or maintain a healthy weight, Tishfield suggests picking lean proteins and complex carbs, and green veggies like kale, swiss chard and spinach. "Eat foods that are high in fiber like berries, and up your fish intake, as studies show Omega 3 fatty acids might play a role in decreasing body fat."

Facing holiday parties, buffets and sweet baskets can be a daunting task for anyone trying to eat well during the festive season. To help navigate these potential pitfalls, nutritionist and private trainer Christy Maskeroni of Clay Gym in New York City, offers these tips. Before attending a party, she says, plan ahead. "Don't go to a party hungry," she stressed. "Eat small snacks throughout the day, and be sure to prepare a healthy snack a couple hours ahead of time. This will keep your blood sugar stable and prevent over doing it at the party." For a healthy snack, try apple slices dipped in low fat yogurt or a smoothie made with one cup frozen berries, one cup skim or soy milk, and drizzle of flax oil.

When you get to the shindig, plate it out. Choose a smaller sized plate, then "arrange appetizers on the plate before eating. This will allow you to enjoy your food, see what you're eating and help you manage portions." If you are hosting the party, prepare an array of nourishing appetizers, and if you are a guest, offer to bring a dish or two—then make them healthy ones. "Healthy can still be satisfying and delicious," Maskeroni reminds us.

For more about the Clay, visit www.insideclay.com.

Next time you're looking for a tasty afternoon snack or need something to jazz up a salad, soup or pasta, go nuts. According to Maureen Ternus, M.S., R.D., Executive Director of the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation, nuts are packed with important vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (plant compounds that can help reduce the risk for chronic disease). Tree nuts, which include almonds, Brazils, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios, pine nuts and walnuts, are particularly rich in unsaturated fats, protein and fiber, and each tree nut has its own added attributes, as well. Almonds and hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E; one Brazil nut gives you all the selenium—a mineral that may help lower the risk for certain cancers—you need per day; walnuts contain vital omega-3 fatty acids; and pistachios and pecans are high in beta-sitosterol, which may help lower cholesterol levels. Macadamias are the highest in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, and cashews are one of the lowest in total fat—so "your best bet," recommends Ternus, "is to eat a mixture" of all of the above.

For more on the benefits of tree nuts, visit www.nuthealth.org.

Everyone knows that vitamin C is important for the immune system, but did you know that some types of vitamins are more effective than others? "The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy tested time-released vitamin C against regular, non time-released vitamin C in humans," explains Gene Bruno, nutritionist for Great Earth Vitamins. "Results showed that the patients who used the time-released formula absorbed 49% more vitamin C than the other patients, and that the vitamin C was also present in the system for up to 12 hours." In addition to time-release vitamin C being more effective, Bruno suggests that it also makes more economical to use this type of capsule, since you'll get more value out of it than you would a regular pill.

For more info on wellness through vitamins and minerals, visit www.GreatEarth.com.

In honor of this month's Earth Day, we asked Josh Dorfman—author, radio host and noted "Lazy Environmentalist"—for some of his favorite wellness-related tips.

First up: ideas for a healthy, environmentally-friendly home. "Use natural cleaning products made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients," recommends Dorfman, who is also the founder of an eco-friendly furniture and furnishings company. One favorite is Green Works, a breakthrough new line of natural cleaning products that are as effective as conventional cleaners, but made from plant-based ingredients. (Starting this month, Green Works will also donate a portion of product sales to the Sierra Club, the oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization in the U.S.; see www.greenworkscleaners.com for more info.) Another easy idea is to fill your house with plants. "One plant per 100 to 120 square feet of living space can clean air and negate the effects of harmful toxins, and help ventilate indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde found in furniture, rugs, paint and cabinets", says Dorfman.

For more from the Lazy Environmentalist, visit www.lazyenvironmentalist.com.

One easy way to help the environment and your own health is to watch what you eat. "Put locally grown food on your dining table," suggest Dorfman, since that's both better for you and helpful to your local farmers. "The average meal travels about 1,700 miles to get to your plate, but locally-grown vegetables, meats and dairy provide food that can be fresher, more nutritious and delicious." To help suss out local providers in your area, head to Sustianabletable.org (www.sustainabletable.org). Another idea is the go meatless one day a week. "Doing so is easy, will save you money, and will help reduce your environmental impact," explains Dorfman, citing a UN study on the connection between raising cattle for food and global warming greenhouse gases.

For more from the Lazy Environmentalist, visit www.lazyenvironmentalist.com.

"We should not only be eating to fulfill hunger, but also for the well being of our skin," says Jenniffer Paulson, Skin Care Category Manager at American International Industries, makers of such brands as Purist Naturals, 5 Second and Bye Bye Blemish. Explaining that certain foods can help support healthy skin, Paulson lists a few of the best: "Foods that are high in Vitamin C increase cell turnover rate," she details, while carotenoids—found in spinach, kale, tomatoes and carrots—"help increase the number of infection fighting cells". For more visible results, the Omega-3 fatty acids found in some fish and nut oils provide wellness for overall health, which leads, naturally, to "youthful and

To help get the year started off right, this month we're spotlighting a few tips on New Year's resolutions, courtesy of Jeff Silverman, personal trainer at Peak Performance in New York City.

After the indulgence of the holidays, most of us vow to go on a major diet and cut out all "bad" foods. Not the best tactic, says Jeff. "Like exercise plans, healthy eating must be realistic, too," he explains. To help work with the realities of life, Jeff stresses the importance of planning in advance. "If you know you're going to be doing an Italian dinner out, stick with a healthy breakfast and lunch," he says. "Or if you know you are going to a party, eat a light healthy meal beforehand so as not to overindulge in fattening hors d'oevres or buffets."

Even better, Jeff explains that "eating healthy doesn't mean never eating a dessert or something fried ever again. It is very important to implement some of your favorite foods into your diet—you just have to control the portions." In fact, having one or two "cheat" meals a week helps both shock your metabolism and keep you mentally satisfied. "Just be mindful of what you ingest."

From skin and hair to metabolism, what isn’t helped by a little H20? But if you’re finding it boring to gulp your 32oz a day, try flavoring your water with a natural kick. Lemons and limes are solid classics, but take it up a notch by adding in-season fruit pieces or pulp; apples, pears, berries and citrus fruits yield the best results, and for a refreshing summer drink, you can try fresh mint leaves, peppermint extract, or cucumber slices. If you’re a soda addict finding it hard to cut down, nutritionists recommend switching to seltzer or sparkling water—which will still give you the bubbles—and flavoring them with your favorite fruits. You’ll enjoy all the fizzy goodness, minus the bad caffeine, sugar and calories.

As the founder of Körner Skincare, Rebecca Korner is always on the go, making frequent trips from her base in London to Europe, the US, and Asia for work, as well as personal trips to Africa and Australia. So when it comes to keeping healthy while traveling, she’s a pro. Rebecca’s summer travel tip: Get a vitamin shot before leaving for your trip. Ask your doctor for a vitamin B12 shot mixed with magnesium, followed by vitamin C intravenously; the combination will help keep energy levels up, leave skin glowing and fight in-flight germs with a boost to the immune system. To counter the drying effects of air travel, buckwheat shots, which are full of chlorophyll, will also help keep skin feeling fresh and dewy.

Your kitchen might be full of low-fat and fat-free items, but don’t forget to add a little of the “good” fat into your diet.

Experts agree that essential fatty acids like omega-3 and limited amounts of omega-6 can have an effect on everything from circulation to brain functions, and omega-3s in particular are also helpful in curbing cravings, regulating blood sugar levels, and boosting the metabolic rate. To increase your omega-3 intake, incorporate a tablespoon of flax seed oil (or some seeds themselves) into yogurt or oatmeal in the morning, or snack on a handful of pumpkin seeds or walnuts during the day.

Snacking isn’t just bad for the waistline—your skin might be at risk, too. Turns out that eating proteins and starch, which require different enzymes to be digested, in the same meal can cause an “overload” in the system, and may lead to breakouts. For healthy skin, experts recommend eating lots of fruits, which work to cleanse the skin and purify the body of toxins; watermelon and grapefruit in particular are natural diuretics and help to reduce water retention. Leafy green vegetables are also good breakout-busters, since the alkaline they contain can help reduce skin inflammation and redness. So skip the cookies and grab some veggies instead—your skin will thank you.

Amidst all the joys of the holiday season, it’s important to remember to keep healthy, since late nights, rich foods, stress and busy schedules can all contribute to a weakened immune system. Air travel, too, can bring on infection and illness, so to be safe in-flight, experts recommend these few easy steps: First, drink lots of water; airplane air is very drying, so up the H20 intake (and keep alcohol to a minimum) to stay hydrated. In-flight air is also recycled, meaning it’s basically one big germ soup; protect yourself by applying some antibacterial gel to the outside of your nostrils—an added defense again inhaling germs—or try Nozin, a new bacteria-busting gel made specifically for travelers. (Popping an immune-booster like Airborne pre-flight is also a good preventative measure, as is keeping hands clean with wipes or antibacterial gel.) Finally, if a flight is longer than a couple of hours, be sure to take a walk up and down the aisles and do a few stretches. This will help keep joints from swelling, improve circulation, and get you access to some fresher air.