Happy New Year

As we wind down from the holidays, and count the calories and pounds we have accumulated in less than a month, many of us look to the New Year as a fresh start. Who hasn't vowed to exercise more, eat better, and lose weight.

Then about a month later, many of us fall off the wagon. The good news is that there are many ways to make small changes in our favorite recipes that make a big difference in our waistlines. Of course, eating less of even a good thing doesn't hurt either!

Fresh herbs add a huge punch of flavor without calories, fat or carbs. Many grocery stores have expanded their offerings of these items, so experiment. Thyme and rosemary are great with salmon, chicken and pork. A simple marinade of garlic, olive oil and herbs on a flank steak is a beautiful thing.

Add citrus juices to the above (Orange and Rosemary are wonderful together on pork and chicken) for a healthy option to plain old grilled chicken. Tarragon is a lesser know fish that is great with eggs, potatoes, and lighter fishes. Arugula adds a nice peppery flavor when added to a dish just before serving.

Cilantro is a key ingredient in Mexican and many Thai and Indian dishes. Smoked paprika adds a delicious earthiness to dishes - think comfort food Spanish style. Chicken, potatoes and shrimp are great with this unique paprika. Toss cubed veggies with olive oil and smoked paprika and roast for a wonderful vegetarian dish.

Chilies come in all sizes shapes and heat levels - some smoky, some sweeter, some very hot. Chop a few up into a lighter version of chili - ground turkey, white beans and your mix of veggies, and experience a whole new level of flavor. Add spinach, fennel, swiss chard to add fiber, veggies and color to chili. Make it a stew by adding chopped sweet potatoes or even eggplant instead of the beans. Beans come in all flavors too - black are great in chili!

Grains are a wonderful source of fiber and iron - check out the many variations and get a few recipes from BobsRedMill.com. Why eat just pasta? Or try spaghetti squash for a healthy, lighter version of pasta.

Looking for a healthier way to eat? Do you tend to snack too much while cooking? A personal chef can do all the cooking for you and help make your comfort food favorites a bit healthier.