With the holidays in the rearview mirror and diet season at its prime, you’re probably being bombarded with a multitude of tips for taking off the weight that was gained over the past couple of months. But can we ever really have enough tactics for healthy eating? Instead of focusing on what you can’t have in the New Year, I like to highlight everything you can enjoy while maintaining a healthy diet – and that even includes participating in the annual Big Game potluck or indulging in a decadent bowl of French Onion Soup.

1. Don’t go cold turkey

My number one tip at all times is to partake in some of your favorite foods when the mood strikes. Depriving yourself of what you want can lead to a moment of weakness followed by overeating when faced with the goodies you’ve denied yourself of for so long.

2. New year, new recipes

Now that the holidays are over, focus on incorporating healthy dishes back into your weekly meal planning. Peruse cookbooks, web sites or your favorite Pinterest boards for recipes that are nutritious and delicious – a combination everyone will enjoy and be grateful for.

3. Celebrate the season

Pay homage to the flavors of the season and all the nutrients these foods contain. Butternut squash, cranberries, apples, pears, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are just some of the seasonal produce available right now. Instead of buttery gratins of potatoes, broccoli, or cauliflower, make a batch of roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower – throw some apples into the mix for some naturally added sweetness! Or top your favorite chicken or turkey dish with homemade cranberry sauce that’s filled with antioxidants and vitamin C instead of sodium-filled gravy. We all know that what we eat plays a big role in meeting our diet-related New Year’s resolutions, so keep it realistic and healthy with these tips and have a happy and healthy 2016!