7 Simple New Year's Resolutions That Will Bring Your Diet into Balance

Resolution – Incorporate three different colored foods a day into your diet.

If your plate’s looking pale, that means you’re probably not getting much nutritionally from your food. One surefire way to make sure you’re eating right is by keeping it colorful. Brightly colored foods like carrots, beets and spinach are nutrient-rich and packed with powerful antioxidants. Challenge yourself to pile on the purple, red, green and orange fruits and veggies.

Resolution – Trade in Twinkies for natural sweets.
Packaged, processed, high-fructose corn syrup-rich treats gratify for seconds, but leave us feeling sluggish and bloated. This year, swap one of your go-to packaged snacks for the natural sugars of fresh and dried fruits. You'll still satisfy your sweet tooth. Fresh fruits like apples and bananas are fiber- and vitamin-rich, and dried fruits like apricots and cherries are great for snacking on the go. For something a little different, try juicy grapes, snap peas or cherry tomatoes. They pack a subtle hint of sweetness.

Resolution – Cook at home one night a week.
Eating and cooking at home saves money and keeps you in control of what you're putting in your mouth. And it doesn't have to be time consuming. By planning ahead, you can stretch one big dish into several days' worth of meals. Not sure what to make? Try a smoky root vegetable gratin or a hearty vegetarian chili. Check out our archive of recipes for more ideas.

Resolution – Host a seasonal tasting party.

Take advantage of the delicious seasonal foods around you by inviting friends and family to a "garden to table" party, featuring locally sourced seasonal dishes. Link up with a local farmers' market for yummy seasonal fare, and encourage guests to bring their own dishes. It's a great way to get to know what's growing in your area. Check out these great recipes for spring, summer, winter and fall.

Resolution – Start a container tomato garden.

Growing your own food is a great way to get hands-on with your diet, and tomatoes are chock-full of antioxidant-rich lycopene and vitamin C. Plus, they taste great and can be used in everything from sauces to salads and sandwiches. Not a tomato fan? Try peppers, cucumbers or squash, which are all relatively easy to grow and can be planted in the ground or in containers.

Resolution – Buy your grains and pasta in bulk.

Buying in bulk helps you save money, reduce waste and keep stocked up for a home-cooked meal — but only if you're purchasing things you'll definitely eat. Bulk up on a few staple dry goods items — like beans, rice and pasta — and skip the 20-gallon drum of peanut butter ... unless you're feeding a soccer team. A deal isn't a deal, after all, if you end up throwing most of it away.

Resolution – Swap a cleanser for vinegar.

Vinegar is a natural — and inexpensive — cleaning solution. Simply spray or douse dirty surfaces and wipe off for an easy alternative to harsh cleansers. And it's versatile — vinegar can be used on everything from bathroom tiles to kitchen surfaces and wood floors. For more green ways to clean, check out the Daily Green's cleaning guide.