There’s so much pressure at the start of the New Year to make sweeping changes to your life, particularly your diet and exercise routines.  For many of us, this could not come at a worse time of year because cold winter conditions probably make you want to crawl under a blanket and chow down on comfort food.  Fortunately, there is no need to cut out comfort food entirely.  Read on for some healthy tips to satisfy your winter cravings.

Research has shown that chocolate milk is effective as a recovery aid following a workout.  Entice yourself to stick to your evening run with the promise of a steaming mug of hot chocolate at the end. To ensure you don’t drink back the calories you just burned off, make it with low-fat milk.  Skip the marshmallows and whipped topping, and you have a treat that offers some tasty protein to top off your hard work.

If one of your resolutions is to cut down on takeout, look for ways to prepare some of your favorites at home.  A veggie-loaded pizza (think bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach and broccoli) with a whole-wheat thin crust is a great way to get servings of vegetables and whole grains.  Top the pizza with some Mini Babybels cut into rounds, and melt in the oven for an authentic restaurant look.

Trying to cut down on sweets?  Take advantage of all the tasty in-season citrus options as a satisfying and affordable snack.  From blood oranges to ruby red grapefruits, selections are much more varied and affordable in the winter months—not to mention all that vitamin C to ward off winter colds.  Couple some citrus sections with your favorite Laughing Cow Cheese Wedge for a perfect combination of fiber and protein.

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