By Courtney Kremer

Hy-Vee Dietitian

Each new year brings a sense of new beginnings and the opportunity for a fresh start. Many people take this opportunity to set health and wellness goals.

Hy-Vee dietitians offer Begin, a healthy lifestyle and weight management program for groups and individuals. This program emphasizes eating for good health, weight loss and being physically active. Begin is not a “diet” — Begin is a plan to help with lifelong wellness.

A variety of health and wellness concepts are covered throughout the Begin sessions, and each week participants are able to build on the previous weeks’ topics. Group discussions, hands-on activities and store tours through the aisles enhance the session topics, which range from portion distortion to physical activity and disease prevention.

One concept that is emphasized throughout the program is the idea of eating regularly throughout the day. Including healthful snacks between meals, which is a great way to increase nutrients that may be lacking in your diet along with helping control portion sizes and food selection at meals.

Snacks such as Cuties clementines and Mighties kiwis contain fiber, potassium and vitamin C, along with many other nutrients. Daisy cottage cheese is another great snack choice and contains protein and calcium.

The following tips may help you find success in your New Year’s resolutions this year:

1. Think S.M.A.R.T. when setting your goals. Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. Be sure to set smaller, short-term goals along with your long-term goals to ensure continued success.

2. Don’t go at it alone. Choose a group of people who will provide support to help you achieve your goals. This group may include a spouse or significant other, close friends or coworkers, health and wellness professionals, and online social groups.

3. Develop a schedule that works for you. Set aside time for meal planning and exercise to be sure they don’t get overlooked at the end of a busy day.

To get you started on your path to healthy eating, try this great, delicious recipe for Easy Red Wine Vinaigrette to help cut back those traditional salad dressings.

The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

Easy Red Wine Vinaigrette

Easy Red Wine Vinaigrette

Serves 6

(2 tablespoons each)

All you need

•1/3 cup red-wine vinegar

•1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard

•1 small clove garlic, minced

•3/4 tsp kosher salt

•1/2 tsp ground pepper

•1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

All you do

1. Whisk vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.

2. Whisk in oil in a slow steady stream until emulsified.

To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature just before serving.