Here are 25 of our favorite hacks to be healthier:

1. Cook instead of eating out. 

Even if you try to eat healthy at a restaurant, that pesky bread bowl or sneaky salad may pack more calories than you planned for. With health being a new popular trend trust your inner Top Chef skills and turn on the (skillet) heat. Cooking at home will more likely result in a healthier meal, not to mention a happier wallet.

2. Eat whole fruit instead of drinking fruit juice. 

A glass of O.J. contains very little of the pulp or skin from an orange—and none of the fiber content. Skip the glass and go with the whole piece of fruit to reap the full nutritional benefits of this sweet, healthy snack (and save some calories while you’re at it).

3. Use oil and balsamic instead of processed dressings. 

Ever flip that dressing bottle around and see a million ingredients listed? Think “less is more,” and lightly dress a salad with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar—no additives included!

4. Eat raw spinach instead of iceberg lettuce. 

Let’s be real, iceberg lettuce is boring and lacks nutrients. Spinach is a flavorful alternative – it’s full of vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Plus, Popeye loves it, so you can’t go wrong!

5. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. 

Crave sour cream in your burrito? To get that same creamy coolness, add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. You’ll amp up the protein and slash the fat.

6. Sprinkle cinnamon instead of sugar. 

Here’s a spicy suggestion: Use cinnamon instead of sugar packets to heighten the flavor of coffee without adding extra calories. Try it in oatmeal, too!

7. Choose salsa instead of cream-based dips. 

Dip chips into this fiery, flavorful alternative to cheesy spreads to get extra nutrients for fewer calories.

8. Eat frozen grapes instead of a Popsicle. 

It’s like eating bite-sized Popsicles with no artificial added sugars!

9. Drink sparkling water instead of soda. 

Try a fun flavor like lemon-lime or even vanilla if you don’t like straight soda water. Need some sweetness? Keep it natural by dropping in a half or whole packet of Stevia.

10. Top pancakes with fresh fruit instead of syrup. 

There’s nothing like a good stack of pancakes every now and then. Cut calories by skipping the maple syrup, (especially since many syrups on the market today aren’t made of maple at all!).

11. Snack on air-popped popcorn instead of chips. 

Craving something to munch? Air-pop some popcorn and add a dash of sea salt—three whole cups is only about 100 calories. That’s way more satisfying than six greasy chips.

12. Order red wine or beer instead of a margarita. 

You’ll drink about half as many calories.  Your body will benefit from the antioxidants in red wine plus it’s believed to help improve cholesterol, fight free radical damage, fight obesity and cognitive decline, and help manage diabetes.

13. Eat oatmeal instead of sugary cereal. 

Options like Cap’n Crunch and Frosted Flakes are filled with sugar and artificial ingredients, while oatmeal boasts heart-healthy benefits.  Choose the right oatmeal: reach for steel cut or rolled oats, never processed, to keep your diet lean, clean and nutrition-rich!

14. Eat at least three times a day instead of skipping meals.

When you don’t make the time to squeeze in a midday meal, you end up feeling tired and grouchy—and you set yourself up for overeating later.

15. Use mustard instead of mayo. 

For tomorrow’s turkey sandwich, skip the fat-filled mayo and spread some tasty (and naturally fat-free) mustard on the bread.

16. Spread avocado on bread instead of butter. 

Add a dash of sea salt and some sliced tomato for a great midday snack.

17. Get a doggy bag instead of overeating. 

To avoid eating more than planned, ask the waiter to wrap half of it up before it even gets to your table.

18. Chew slowly instead of quickly. 

What’s the rush? Studies show people who eat faster consume more calories.  Enjoy your food and all its flavor and chew thoroughly to aid digestion.  It takes your brain 20 minutes to recognize the status of your appetite so give it time to catch up! 

19. Eat at the table instead of in front of the TV. 

Dining in front of the television can lead to serious overeating.

20. Eat breakfast instead of sleeping in. 

It may be tempting to hit the snooze button more than once in the morning but allow some time for breakfast—it will help jump start your metabolism and helps wakes your brain and body before you head to work.

21. Use a medium plate instead of a large one. 

Smaller plates (about eight to 10 inches in diameter) can save you more than 20 percent of the calories you’d eat in a larger-plate-sized serving.  Same goes for utensils and beverages by the way! Smaller quantities equal less over-consumption.

22. Eat with chopsticks instead of a fork. 

It may be a challenge, but it’ll stop you from speed-slurping those noodles.

23. Go grocery shopping when you’re full instead of when you’re hungry. 

People spend more when they shop hungry—and choose less healthy foods.

24. Stop when you’re full instead of when you clean the plate. 

A plate half-full means more leftovers and fewer calories!

25. Nap instead of sipping on an energy drink. 

Energy drinks can pack as much sugar as six doughnuts, while catnaps are always calorie-free.

With health being a new popular trend, any little bit of help towards a healthier lifestyle is always encouraged. So hopefully these tips help you form new habits and stick with you throughout the future. See grants dedicated to health and well being at GrantWatch